Table of Contents

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011

or

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

For the transition period from                     to                    

Commission File Number 1-5231

 

McDONALD’S CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Delaware

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

   

 

 

36-2361282

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

  

  

  

One McDonald’s Plaza

Oak Brook, Illinois

(Address of principal executive offices)

   

 

60523

(Zip code)

  

  

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (630) 623-3000

 

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

 

Title of each class  

Name of each exchange

on which registered

 
Common stock, $.01 par value     New York Stock Exchange   

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

None

(Title of class)

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Check one):

Large accelerated filer   x          Accelerated filer   ¨

Non-accelerated filer   ¨   (do not check if a smaller reporting company)        Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes ¨   No x

The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2011 was $86,947,538,692.

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of January 31, 2012 was 1,018,555,678.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Part III of this Form 10-K incorporates information by reference from the registrant’s 2012 definitive proxy statement which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2011.

 

 


Table of Contents

McDONALD’S CORPORATION

 

INDEX

 

 

        Page reference  
Part I.      
  Item 1   Business     1   
  Item 1A   Risk Factors and Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements     3   
  Item 1B   Unresolved Staff Comments     6   
  Item 2   Properties     6   
  Item 3   Legal Proceedings     6   
  Item 4   Mine Safety Disclosures     6   
Part II.      
  Item 5   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities     8   
  Item 6   Selected Financial Data     9   
  Item 7   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     10   
  Item 7A   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk     26   
  Item 8   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data     26   
  Item 9   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure     47   
  Item 9A   Controls and Procedures     47   
  Item 9B   Other Information     47   
Part III.      
  Item 10   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance     47   
  Item 11   Executive Compensation     47   
  Item 12   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters     47   
  Item 13   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence     48   
  Item 14   Principal Accountant Fees and Services     48   
Part IV.      
  Item 15   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules     48   
Signatures     51   
Exhibits  

All trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners and are used with permission.


Table of Contents

PART I

 

 

ITEM 1. Business

 

 

McDonald’s Corporation, the registrant, together with its subsidiaries, is referred to herein as the “Company.”

a. General development of business

During 2011, there have been no material changes to the Company’s corporate structure or in its method of conducting business. In 2011, the Company has continued the process it began in 2005 to realign certain subsidiaries to develop a corporate structure within its geographic segments that better reflects the operation of the McDonald’s worldwide business.

b. Financial information about segments

Segment data for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 are included in Part II, Item 8, page 40 of this Form 10-K.

c. Narrative description of business

 

 

General

The Company franchises and operates McDonald’s restaurants in the global restaurant industry. These restaurants serve a broad menu (see Products) at various price points providing value in 119 countries around the world.

All restaurants are operated either by the Company or by franchisees, including conventional franchisees under franchise arrangements, and developmental licensees and foreign affiliated markets under license agreements.

The Company’s operations are designed to assure consistency and high quality at every restaurant. When granting franchises or licenses, the Company is selective and generally is not in the practice of franchising to passive investors.

Under the conventional franchise arrangement, franchisees provide a portion of the capital required by initially investing in the equipment, signs, seating and décor of their restaurant businesses, and by reinvesting in the business over time. The Company owns the land and building or secures long-term leases for both Company-operated and conventional franchised restaurant sites. In certain circumstances, the Company participates in reinvestment for conventional franchised restaurants. A discussion regarding site selection is included in Part I, Item 2, page 6 of this Form 10-K.

Conventional franchisees contribute to the Company’s revenue stream through the payment of rent and royalties based upon a percent of sales, with specified minimum rent payments, along with initial fees received upon the opening of a new restaurant or the granting of a new franchise term. The conventional franchise arrangement typically lasts 20 years, and franchising practices are generally consistent throughout the world. Over 70% of franchised restaurants operate under conventional franchise arrangements.

Under a developmental license arrangement, licensees provide capital for the entire business, including the real estate interest. While the Company has no capital invested, it receives a royalty based on a percent of sales, as well as initial fees. The largest of these developmental license arrangements operates over 1,800 restaurants across 19 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Company has an equity investment in a limited number of foreign affiliated markets, referred to as affiliates. The largest of these affiliates is Japan, where there are approximately 3,300 restaurants. The Company receives a royalty based on a percent of sales in these markets and records its share of net results in Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates.

The Company and its franchisees purchase food, packaging, equipment and other goods from numerous independent suppliers. The Company has established and strictly enforces high quality standards and product specifications. The Company has quality centers around the world to ensure that its high standards are consistently met. The quality assurance process not only involves ongoing product reviews, but also on-site supplier visits. A quality leadership board, composed of the Company’s technical, safety and supply chain specialists, provides strategic global leadership for all aspects of food quality and safety. In addition, the Company works closely with suppliers to encourage innovation, assure best practices and drive continuous improvement. Leveraging scale, supply chain infrastructure and risk management strategies, the Company also collaborates with suppliers toward a goal of achieving competitive, predictable food and paper costs over the long term.

Independently owned and operated distribution centers, approved by the Company, distribute products and supplies to most McDonald’s restaurants. In addition, restaurant personnel are trained in the proper storage, handling and preparation of products and in the delivery of customer service.

McDonald’s global brand is well known. Marketing, promotional and public relations activities are designed to promote McDonald’s brand image and differentiate the Company from competitors. Marketing and promotional efforts focus on value, food taste, menu choice, nutrition, convenience and the customer experience. The Company continuously endeavors to improve its social responsibility and environmental practices to achieve long-term sustainability, which benefits McDonald’s and the communities it serves.

 

 

Products

McDonald’s restaurants offer a substantially uniform menu, although there are geographic variations to suit local consumer preferences and tastes. In addition, McDonald’s tests new products on an ongoing basis.

McDonald’s menu includes hamburgers and cheeseburgers, Big Mac, Quarter Pounder with Cheese, Filet-O-Fish, several chicken sandwiches, Chicken McNuggets, Snack Wraps, french fries, salads, oatmeal, shakes, McFlurry desserts, sundaes, soft serve cones, pies, soft drinks, coffee, McCafé beverages and other beverages. In addition, the restaurants sell a variety of other products during limited-time promotions.

McDonald’s restaurants in the U.S. and many international markets offer a full or limited breakfast menu. Breakfast offerings may include Egg McMuffin, Sausage McMuffin with Egg, McGriddles, biscuit and bagel sandwiches and hotcakes.

 

 

Intellectual property

The Company owns or is licensed to use valuable intellectual property including trademarks, service marks, patents, copyrights, trade secrets and other proprietary information. The Company considers the trademarks “McDonald’s” and “The Golden Arches Logo” to be of material importance to its business. Depending on the jurisdiction, trademarks and service marks generally are valid

 

 

 

McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011     1


Table of Contents

as long as they are used and/or registered. Patents, copyrights and licenses are of varying remaining durations.

 

 

Seasonal operations

The Company does not consider its operations to be seasonal to any material degree.

 

 

Working capital practices

Information about the Company’s working capital practices is incorporated herein by reference to Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 in Part II, Item 7, pages 10 through 26, and the Consolidated statement of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 in Part II, Item 8, page 29 of this Form 10-K.

 

 

Customers

The Company’s business is not dependent upon either a single customer or small group of customers.

 

 

Backlog

Company-operated restaurants have no backlog orders.

 

 

Government contracts

No material portion of the business is subject to renegotiation of profits or termination of contracts or subcontracts at the election of the U.S. government.

 

 

Competition

McDonald’s restaurants compete with international, national, regional and local retailers of food products. The Company competes on the basis of price, convenience, service, menu variety and product quality in a highly fragmented global restaurant industry.

In measuring the Company’s competitive position, management reviews data compiled by Euromonitor International, a leading source of market data with respect to the global restaurant industry. The Company’s primary competition, which management refers to as the Informal Eating Out (IEO) segment, includes the following restaurant categories defined by Euromonitor International: quick-service eating establishments, casual dining full-service restaurants, 100% home delivery/takeaway providers, street stalls or kiosks, specialist coffee shops, juice/smoothie bars and self-service cafeterias. The IEO segment excludes establishments that primarily serve alcohol and full-service restaurants other than casual dining.

Based on data from Euromonitor International, the global IEO segment was composed of approximately 6.5 million outlets and generated $933 billion in annual sales in 2010, the most recent year for which data is available. McDonald’s Systemwide 2010 restaurant business accounted for approximately 0.5% of those outlets and about 8% of the sales.

Management also on occasion benchmarks McDonald’s against the entire restaurant industry, including the IEO segment defined above and all other full-service restaurants. Based on data from Euromonitor International, the restaurant industry was composed of approximately 13.7 million outlets and generated about $1.86 trillion in annual sales in 2010. McDonald’s Systemwide restaurant business accounted for approximately 0.2% of those outlets and about 4% of the sales.

 

Research and development

The Company operates research and development facilities in the U.S., Europe and Asia. While research and development activities are important to the Company’s business, these expenditures are not material. Independent suppliers also conduct research activities that benefit the Company, its franchisees and suppliers (collectively referred to as the System).

 

 

Environmental matters

Increased focus by U.S. and overseas governmental authorities on environmental matters is likely to lead to new governmental initiatives, particularly in the area of climate change. While we cannot predict the precise nature of these initiatives, we expect that they may impact our business both directly and indirectly. Although the impact would likely vary by world region and/or market, we believe that adoption of new regulations may increase costs, including for the Company, its franchisees and suppliers. Also, there is a possibility that governmental initiatives, or actual or perceived effects of changes in weather patterns or climate, could have a direct impact on the operations of our restaurants or the operations of our suppliers in ways which we cannot predict at this time.

The Company monitors developments related to environmental matters and plans to respond to governmental initiatives in a timely and appropriate manner. At this time, the Company has already begun to undertake its own initiatives relating to preservation of the environment, including the development of means to monitor and reduce energy use, in many of its markets.

 

 

Number of employees

The Company’s number of employees worldwide, including Company-operated restaurant employees, was approximately 420,000 as of year-end 2011.

d. Financial information about geographic areas

Financial information about geographic areas is incorporated herein by reference to Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations in Part II, Item 7, pages 10 through 26 and Segment and geographic information in Part II, Item 8, page 40 of this Form 10-K.

e. Available information

The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act). The Company therefore files periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Such reports may be obtained by visiting the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549, or by calling the SEC at (800) SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet site (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information.

Financial and other information can also be accessed on the investor section of the Company’s website at www.aboutmcdonalds.com. The Company makes available, free of charge, copies of its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after filing such material electronically or otherwise furnishing it to the SEC. Copies of financial and other information are also available free of charge by calling (800) 228-9623 or by sending a request to

 

 

2     McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011


Table of Contents

McDonald’s Corporation Shareholder Services, Department 720, 2111 McDonald’s Drive, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523.

Also posted on McDonald’s website are the Company’s Corporate Governance Principles, the charters of McDonald’s Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Governance Committee, the Company’s Standards of Business Conduct, the Code of Ethics for Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers and the Code of Conduct for the Board of Directors. Copies of these documents are also available free of charge by calling (800) 228-9623 or by sending a request to McDonald’s Corporation Shareholder Services, Department 720, 2111 McDonald’s Drive, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523.

Information on the Company’s website is not incorporated into this Form 10-K or the Company’s other securities filings and is not a part of them.

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors and Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

 

The information on this report includes forward-looking statements about our plans and future performance, including those under Outlook for 2012. These statements use such words as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe” and “plan.” They reflect our expectations and speak only as of the date of this report. We do not undertake to update them. Our expectations (or the underlying assumptions) may change or not be realized, and you should not rely unduly on forward-looking statements.

Our business and execution of our strategic plan, the Plan to Win, are subject to risks. The most important of these is whether we can remain relevant to our customers and a brand they trust. Meeting customer expectations is complicated by the risks inherent in our global operating environment. The IEO segment of the restaurant industry, although largely mature in our major markets, is highly fragmented and competitive. The IEO segment has been contracting in many markets, including some major markets, due to unfavorable economic conditions, and this may continue. Persistently high unemployment rates in many markets have also increased consumer focus on value and heightened pricing sensitivity. Combined with increasing pressure on commodity and labor costs, these circumstances affect restaurant sales and margin growth despite the strength of our brand and value proposition. We have the added challenge of the cultural, economic and regulatory differences that exist within and among the more than 100 countries where we operate. Initiatives we undertake may not have universal appeal among different segments of our customer base and can drive unanticipated changes in guest counts and customer perceptions. Our operations, plans and results are also affected by regulatory and similar initiatives around the world, notably the focus on nutritional content and the production, processing and preparation of food “from field to front counter,” as well as industry marketing practices.

These risks can have an impact both in the near- and long-term and are reflected in the following considerations and factors that we believe are most likely to affect our performance.

Our ability to remain a relevant and trusted brand and to increase sales and profits depends largely on how well we execute the Plan to Win.

The Plan to Win addresses the key drivers of our business and results—people, products, place, price and promotion. The quality of our execution depends mainly on the following:

 

 

Our ability to anticipate and respond effectively to trends or other factors that affect the IEO segment and our competitive position in the diverse markets we serve, such as spending patterns, demographic changes, trends in food preparation, consumer preferences and publicity about us, all of which can drive popular perceptions of our business or affect the willingness of other companies to enter into site, supply or other arrangements or alliances with us;

 

 

The risks associated with our franchise business model, including whether our franchisees and developmental licensees will have the experience and financial resources to be effective operators and remain aligned with us on operating, promotional and capital-intensive initiatives and the potential impact on us if they experience food safety or other operational problems or project a brand image inconsistent with our values, particularly if our contractual and other rights and remedies are limited by local law or otherwise, costly to exercise or subject to litigation;

 

 

Our ability to drive restaurant improvements that achieve optimal capacity, particularly during peak mealtime hours, and to motivate our restaurant personnel and our franchisees to achieve consistency and high service levels so as to improve consumer perceptions of our ability to meet expectations for quality food served in clean and friendly environments;

 

 

Whether our restaurant reimaging and rebuilding plans, which remain a priority, are targeted at the elements of the restaurant experience that will best accomplish our goals and whether we can complete our plans as and when projected;

 

 

The costs and operational risks associated with our increasing reliance on information technology (including our point-of-sale and other in-store technology systems or platforms), including the risk that we will not realize fully the benefits of our investments in technology, which we are accelerating, as well as the potential for system failures, programming errors or breaches of security involving our systems or those of third-party operators of our systems;

 

 

The success of our initiatives to support menu choice, physical activity and nutritional awareness and to address these and other matters of social responsibility in a way that communicates our values effectively and inspires trust and confidence;

 

 

Our ability to respond effectively to adverse perceptions about the quick-service category of the IEO segment or about our products (including their nutritional content), promotions and premiums, such as Happy Meals (collectively, our products), how we source the commodities we use, and our ability to manage the potential impact on McDonald’s of food-borne illnesses or product safety issues;

 

 

McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011     3


Table of Contents
 

The impact of social media and other mobile communications or photo applications that can be used to promote adverse perceptions of our operations or those of our suppliers, or to promote or threaten boycotts or other actions involving us or our suppliers, with significantly greater speed and scope than traditional media outlets;

 

 

The success of our tiered approach to menu offerings and our ability to introduce new offerings, as well as the impact of our competitors’ actions, including in response to our menu changes, and our ability to continue robust menu development and manage the complexity of our restaurant operations;

 

 

Our ability to differentiate the McDonald’s experience in a way that balances consumer value with margin expansion, particularly in markets where pricing or cost pressures are significant or have been exacerbated by the current challenging economic and operating environment;

 

 

The impact of pricing, marketing and promotional plans on sales and margins and our ability to adjust these plans to respond quickly to changing economic conditions;

 

 

The impact of events such as boycotts or protests, labor strikes and supply chain interruptions (including due to lack of supply or price increases) that can adversely affect us directly or adversely affect the vendors, franchisees and others that are also part of the McDonald’s System and whose performance has a material impact on our results;

 

 

Our ability to recruit and retain qualified local personnel to manage our operations and growth, particularly in certain developing markets; and

 

 

Our ability to leverage promotional or operating successes in individual markets into other markets in a timely and cost-effective way.

Our results and financial condition are affected by global and local market conditions, which can adversely affect our sales, margins and net income.

Our results of operations are substantially affected not only by global economic conditions, but also by local operating and economic conditions, which can vary substantially by market. Unfavorable conditions can depress sales in a given market or daypart (e.g., breakfast). To mitigate the impact of these conditions, we may take promotional or other actions that adversely affect our margins, limit our operating flexibility or result in charges or restaurant closings. Some macroeconomic conditions have an even more wide-ranging and prolonged impact. The current environment has been characterized by weak economies, persistently high unemployment rates, inflationary pressures and extreme volatility in financial markets worldwide, which has been exacerbated by the significant uncertainty associated with the ongoing sovereign debt crisis in certain Eurozone countries. This environment has adversely affected both business and consumer confidence and spending, and uncertainty about the long-term investment environment could further depress capital investment and economic activity. These unfavorable conditions are expected to persist for the foreseeable future in many of our most important markets. The key factors that can affect our operations, plans and results in this environment are the following:

 

 

Whether our strategies will be effective in enabling the continued market share gains that we have included in our plans, while at the same time enabling us to achieve our targeted

   

operating income growth, despite the uncertain economic outlook, resurgent competitors and a more costly and competitive advertising environment;

 

 

The effectiveness of our supply chain management to assure reliable and sufficient product supply on favorable terms;

 

 

The impact on consumer disposable income levels and spending habits of governmental actions to manage national economic matters, whether through austerity or stimulus measures and initiatives intended to control wages, unemployment, credit availability, inflation, taxation and other economic drivers;

 

 

The impact on restaurant sales and margins of recent volatility in commodity and gasoline prices, which we expect will continue and may be exacerbated by current events in the Middle East, and the impact of pricing, hedging and other actions that we, franchisees and suppliers may take to address this environment;

 

 

The impact on our margins of labor costs given our labor-intensive business model, the long-term trend toward higher wages in both mature and developing markets and any potential impact of union organizing efforts;

 

 

The impact of foreign exchange and interest rates on our financial condition and results;

 

 

Whether we are able to identify and develop restaurant sites consistent with our plans for net growth of Systemwide restaurants from year to year, and whether new sites are as profitable as expected;

 

 

The challenges and uncertainties associated with operating in developing markets, which may entail a relatively higher risk of political instability, economic volatility, crime, corruption and social and ethnic unrest, all of which are exacerbated in many cases by a lack of an independent and experienced judiciary and uncertainties in how local law is applied and enforced, including in areas most relevant to commercial transactions and foreign investment;

 

 

The nature and timing of decisions about underperforming markets or assets, including decisions that result in impairment charges that reduce our earnings; and

 

 

The impact of changes in our debt levels on our credit ratings, interest expense, availability of acceptable counterparties, ability to obtain funding on favorable terms or our operating or financial flexibility, especially if lenders impose new operating or financial covenants.

Increasing legal and regulatory complexity will continue to affect our operations and results in material ways.

Our legal and regulatory environment worldwide exposes us to complex compliance, litigation and similar risks that affect our operations and results in material ways. In many of our markets, including the United States and Europe, we are subject to increasing regulation, which has increased our cost of doing business. In developing markets, we face the risks associated with new and untested laws and judicial systems. Among the more important regulatory and litigation risks we face and must manage are the following:

 

 

The cost, compliance and other risks associated with the often conflicting and highly prescriptive regulations we face, especially in the United States where inconsistent standards

 

 

4     McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011


Table of Contents
   

imposed by local, state and federal authorities can adversely affect popular perceptions of our business and increase our exposure to litigation or governmental investigations or proceedings;

 

 

The impact of new, potential or changing regulation that can affect our business plans, such as those relating to marketing and the content and safety of our food and other products, as well as the risks and costs of our labeling and other disclosure practices, particularly given varying legal requirements and practices for testing and disclosure within our industry, ordinary variations in food preparation among our own restaurants, and the need to rely on the accuracy and completeness of information from third-party suppliers;

 

 

The impact of nutritional, health and other scientific inquiries and conclusions, which constantly evolve and often have contradictory implications, but nonetheless drive popular opinion, litigation and regulation, including taxation, in ways that could be material to our business;

 

 

The risks and costs to us, our franchisees and our supply chain of increased focus by U.S. and overseas governmental authorities and non-governmental organizations on environmental matters, such as environmental sustainability, climate change, greenhouse gases and water consumption, including initiatives that effectively impose a tax on carbon emissions;

 

 

The impact of litigation trends, particularly in our major markets, including class actions, labor and employment claims, landlord/tenant disputes and intellectual property claims (including often aggressive or opportunistic attempts to enforce patents used in information technology systems); the relative level of our defense costs, which vary from period to period depending on the number, nature and procedural status of pending proceedings; the cost and other effects of settlements or judgments, which may require us to make disclosures or take other actions that may affect perceptions of our brand and products; and the scope and terms of insurance or indemnification protections that we may have;

 

 

Adverse results of pending or future litigation, including litigation challenging the composition of our products, or the appropriateness or accuracy of our marketing or other communication practices;

 

 

The increasing costs and other effects of compliance with U.S. and overseas regulations affecting our workforce and labor practices, including regulations relating to wage and hour practices, immigration, healthcare, retirement and other employee benefits and unlawful workplace discrimination;

 

 

Disruptions in our operations or price volatility in a market that can result from governmental actions, such as price, foreign exchange or import-export controls, increased tariffs or government-mandated closure of our or our vendors’ operations, and the cost and disruption of responding to governmental investigations or proceedings, whether or not they have merit;

 

 

The legal and compliance risks associated with information technology, such as the costs of compliance with privacy, consumer protection and other laws, the potential costs associated with alleged security breaches (including the loss of consumer confidence that may result and the risk of criminal penalties or civil liability to consumers or employees whose

   

data is alleged to have been collected or used inappropriately) and potential challenges to the associated intellectual property rights or to our use of that intellectual property; and

 

 

The impact of changes in financial reporting requirements, accounting principles or practices, including with respect to our critical accounting estimates, changes in tax accounting or tax laws (or related authoritative interpretations), particularly if corporate tax reform becomes a key component of budgetary initiatives in the United States and elsewhere, and the impact of settlements of pending or any future adjustments proposed by the IRS or other taxing authorities in connection with our tax audits, all of which will depend on their timing, nature and scope.

The trading volatility and price of our common stock may be affected by many factors.

Many factors affect the volatility and price of our common stock in addition to our operating results and prospects. The most important of these, some of which are outside our control, are the following:

 

 

The continuing unfavorable global economic and extremely volatile market conditions;

 

 

Governmental action or inaction in light of key indicators of economic activity or events that can significantly influence financial markets, particularly in the United States which is the principal trading market for our common stock, and media reports and commentary about economic or other matters, even when the matter in question does not directly relate to our business;

 

 

Changes in financial or tax reporting and accounting principles or practices that materially affect our reported financial condition and results and investor perceptions of our performance;

 

 

Trading activity in our common stock or trading activity in derivative instruments with respect to our common stock or debt securities, which can reflect market commentary (including commentary that may be unreliable or incomplete in some cases) or expectations about our business, our creditworthiness or investor confidence generally; actions by shareholders and others seeking to influence our business strategies; portfolio transactions in our stock by significant shareholders; or trading activity that results from the ordinary course rebalancing of stock indices in which McDonald’s may be included, such as the S&P 500 Index and the Dow Jones Industrial Average;

 

 

The impact of our stock repurchase program or dividend rate; and

 

 

The impact on our results of other corporate actions, such as those we may take from time to time as part of our continuous review of our corporate structure in light of business, legal and tax considerations.

Our results and prospects can be adversely affected by events such as severe weather conditions, natural disasters, hostilities and social unrest, among others.

Severe weather conditions, natural disasters, hostilities and social unrest, terrorist activities, health epidemics or pandemics (or expectations about them) can adversely affect consumer spending and confidence levels or other factors that affect our results and

 

 

McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011     5


Table of Contents

prospects, such as commodity costs. Our receipt of proceeds under any insurance we maintain with respect to certain of these risks may be delayed or the proceeds may be insufficient to offset our losses fully.

ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

 

 

None.

ITEM 2. Properties

 

 

The Company owns and leases real estate primarily in connection with its restaurant business. The Company identifies and develops sites that offer convenience to customers and long-term sales and profit potential to the Company. To assess potential, the Company analyzes traffic and walking patterns, census data and other relevant data. The Company’s experience and access to advanced technology aid in evaluating this information. The Company generally owns the land and building or secures long-term leases for restaurant sites, which ensures long-term occupancy rights and helps control related costs. Restaurant profitability for both the Company and franchisees is important; therefore, ongoing efforts are made to control average development costs through construction and design efficiencies, standardization and by leveraging the Company’s global sourcing network. Additional information about the Company’s properties is included in Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations in Part II, Item 7, pages 10 through 26 and in Financial statements and supplementary data in Part II, Item 8, pages 26 through 43 of this Form 10-K.

ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings

 

 

The Company has pending a number of lawsuits that have been filed in various jurisdictions. These lawsuits cover a broad variety of allegations spanning the Company’s entire business. The following is a brief description of the more significant types of lawsuits. In addition, the Company is subject to various federal, state and local regulations that impact various aspects of its business, as discussed below. While the Company does not believe that any such claims, lawsuits or regulations will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations, unfavorable rulings could occur. Were an unfavorable ruling to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on net income for the period in which the ruling occurs or for future periods.

 

 

Franchising

A substantial number of McDonald’s restaurants are franchised to independent entrepreneurs operating under contractual arrangements with the Company. In the course of the franchise relationship, occasional disputes arise between the Company and its franchisees relating to a broad range of subjects including, but not limited to, quality, service and cleanliness issues, contentions regarding grants or terminations of franchises, delinquent payments of rents and fees, and franchisee claims for additional franchises or rewrites of franchises. Additionally, occasional disputes arise between the Company and individuals who claim they should have been granted a McDonald’s franchise.

 

Suppliers

The Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries do not supply food, paper or related items to any McDonald’s restaurants. The Company relies upon numerous independent suppliers that are required to meet and maintain the Company’s high standards and specifications. On occasion, disputes arise between the Company and its suppliers which include, by way of example, compliance with product specifications and the Company’s business relationship with suppliers. In addition, disputes occasionally arise on a number of issues between the Company and individuals or entities who claim that they should be (or should have been) granted the opportunity to supply products or services to the Company’s restaurants.

 

 

Employees

Hundreds of thousands of people are employed by the Company and in restaurants owned and operated by subsidiaries of the Company. In addition, thousands of people from time to time seek employment in such restaurants. In the ordinary course of business, disputes arise regarding hiring, firing, promotion and pay practices, including wage and hour disputes, alleged discrimination and compliance with employment laws.

 

 

Customers

Restaurants owned by subsidiaries of the Company regularly serve a broad segment of the public. In so doing, disputes arise as to products, service, incidents, advertising, nutritional and other disclosures, as well as other matters common to an extensive restaurant business such as that of the Company.

 

 

Intellectual Property

The Company has registered trademarks and service marks, patents and copyrights, some of which are of material importance to the Company’s business. From time to time, the Company may become involved in litigation to protect its intellectual property and defend against the alleged use of third party intellectual property.

 

 

Government Regulations

Local, state and federal governments have adopted laws and regulations involving various aspects of the restaurant business including, but not limited to, advertising, franchising, health, safety, environment, zoning and employment. The Company strives to comply with all applicable existing statutory and administrative rules and cannot predict the effect on its operations from the issuance of additional requirements in the future.

ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

 

Not applicable.

 

 

6     McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011


Table of Contents

The following are the Executive Officers of our Company (as of the date of this filing):

Jose Armario , 52, is Corporate Executive Vice President—Global Supply Chain, Development and Franchising, a position he has held since October 2011. He previously served as Group President, McDonald’s Canada and Latin America from February 2008 through September 2011 and President, McDonald’s Latin America from December 2003 to February 2008. Mr. Armario has been with the Company for 15 years.

Peter J. Bensen , 49, is Corporate Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, a position he has held since January 2008. From April 2007 through December 2007, he served as Corporate Senior Vice President—Controller. Prior to that time, Mr. Bensen served as Corporate Vice President–Assistant Controller from February 2002 through March 2007. Mr. Bensen has been with the Company for 15 years.

Timothy J. Fenton , 54, is President, McDonald’s Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa, a position he has held since January 2005. From May 2003 to January 2005, he served as President, East Division for McDonald’s USA. Mr. Fenton has been with the Company for 38 years.

Janice L. Fields, 56, is President, McDonald’s USA, a position she has held since January 2010. She previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for McDonald’s USA from August 2006 to January 2010, and President, Central Division of McDonald’s USA from May 2003 to August 2006. Ms. Fields has been with the Company for 33 years.

Richard Floersch , 54, is Corporate Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. Mr. Floersch joined the Company in November 2003. He previously served as Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Kraft Foods from 1998 through 2003. Mr. Floersch has been with the Company for eight years.

Douglas M. Goare, 59, is President, McDonald’s Europe, a position he has held since October 2011. From February 2011 through September 2011, he served as Corporate Executive Vice President of Supply Chain and Development. From June 2007 through November 2010, he held the position of Corporate Senior Vice President of Supply Chain. In addition to this role, Mr. Goare assumed responsibility for Development in December 2010 and served as Corporate Senior Vice President of Supply Chain and Development through January 2011. He previously served as U.S. Vice President and General Manager of the

Greater Chicago Region from October 2004 through May 2007. Mr. Goare has been with the Company for 33 years.

Kevin L. Newell, 54, is Corporate Executive Vice President and Global Chief Brand Officer, a position he has held since February 2011. From September 2009 through January 2011, he served as U.S. Senior Vice President and Restaurant Support Officer for the West Division. Prior to that time, Mr. Newell served as U.S. Vice President & General Manager of the Greater Southern Region from November 2006 through August 2009. Mr. Newell has been with the Company for 22 years.

Kevin M. Ozan , 48, is Corporate Senior Vice President–Controller, a position he has held since February 2008. From May 2007 through January 2008, he served as Corporate Vice President—Assistant Controller. He previously served as a Senior Director in Investor Relations from May 2006 to April 2007. Mr. Ozan has been with the Company for 14 years.

Gloria Santona , 61, is Corporate Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, a position she has held since July 2003. From June 2001 to July 2003, she served as Corporate Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Ms. Santona has been with the Company for 34 years.

James A. Skinner , 67, is Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, a post to which he was elected in November 2004, and also has served as a Director since that date. He served as Vice Chairman from January 2003 to November 2004. Mr. Skinner has been with the Company for 40 years.

Jeffrey P. Stratton , 56, is Corporate Executive Vice President–Chief Restaurant Officer, a position he has held since January 2005. He previously served as U.S. Executive Vice President, Chief Restaurant Officer from January 2004 through December 2004. Prior to that time, he served as Senior Vice President, Chief Restaurant Officer of McDonald’s USA from May 2002 to January 2004. Mr. Stratton has been with the Company for 38 years.

Donald Thompson, 48, is President and Chief Operating Officer, a position to which he was elected in January 2010. Mr. Thompson was also elected a Director in January 2011. He previously served as President, McDonald’s USA, from August 2006 to January 2010, and as Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for McDonald’s USA from January 2005 to August 2006. Mr. Thompson has been with the Company for 21 years.

 

 

McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011     7


Table of Contents

PART II

 

 

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

 

 

The Company’s common stock trades under the symbol MCD and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange in the U.S.

The following table sets forth the common stock price ranges on the New York Stock Exchange and dividends declared per common share:

 

     2011         2010  

Dollars

per share

   High      Low      Dividend           High      Low      Dividend  

Quarter:

                  

First

     77.59         72.14         0.61          67.49         61.06         0.55   

Second

     84.91         75.66         0.61          71.84         65.55         0.55   

Third

     91.22         82.01         1.31       76.26         65.31         1.16

Fourth

     101.00         83.74                     80.94         74.40            

Year

     101.00         72.14         2.53            80.94         61.06         2.26   

 

* Includes a $0.61 and $0.55 per share dividend declared and paid in third quarter of 2011 and 2010, respectively, and a $0.70 and $0.61 per share dividend declared in third quarter and paid in fourth quarter of 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The number of shareholders of record and beneficial owners of the Company’s common stock as of January 31, 2012 was estimated to be 1,583,000.

Given the Company’s returns on equity, incremental invested capital and assets, management believes it is prudent to reinvest in the business in markets with acceptable returns and/or opportunity for long-term growth and use excess cash flow to return cash to shareholders through dividends, share repurchases or a combination of both. The Company has paid dividends on common stock for 36 consecutive years through 2011 and has increased the dividend amount at least once every year. As in the past, future dividend amounts will be considered after reviewing profitability expectations and financing needs, and will be declared at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

 

 

Issuer purchases of equity securities*

The following table presents information related to repurchases of common stock the Company made during the quarter ended December 31, 2011:

 

 

Period    Total Number of
Shares Purchased
     Average Price
Paid per Share
     Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans  or
Programs (1)
    

Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares
that May Yet

Be Purchased Under
the Plans or  Programs (1)

 

October 1-31, 2011

     1,569,393         87.96         1,569,393       $ 3,719,828,000   

November 1-30, 2011

     1,269,073         93.00         1,269,073         3,601,803,000   

December 1-31, 2011

     897,530         98.40         897,530         3,513,486,000   

Total

     3,735,996         92.18         3,735,996       $ 3,513,486,000   

 

* Subject to applicable law, the Company may repurchase shares directly in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, or pursuant to derivative instruments and plans complying with Rule 10b5-1, among other types of transactions and arrangements.

 

(1) On September 24, 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program that authorizes the purchase of up to $10 billion of the Company’s outstanding common stock with no specified expiration date.

 

8     McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011


Table of Contents

ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data

 

 

6-Year Summary

 

 

Dollars in millions, except per share data    2011      2010      2009     2008     2007     2006  

Company-operated sales

   $ 18,293         16,233         15,459        16,561        16,611        15,402   

Franchised revenues

   $ 8,713         7,842         7,286        6,961        6,176        5,493   

Total revenues

   $ 27,006         24,075         22,745        23,522        22,787        20,895   

Operating income

   $ 8,530         7,473         6,841 (1)       6,443        3,879 (4)       4,433 (7)  

Income from continuing operations

   $ 5,503         4,946         4,551 (1,2)       4,313 (3)       2,335 (4,5)       2,866 (7)  

Net income

   $ 5,503         4,946         4,551 (1,2)       4,313 (3)       2,395 (4,5,6)       3,544 (7,8)  

Cash provided by operations

   $ 7,150         6,342         5,751        5,917        4,876        4,341   

Cash used for investing activities

   $ 2,571         2,056         1,655        1,625        1,150        1,274   

Capital expenditures

   $ 2,730         2,135         1,952        2,136        1,947        1,742   

Cash used for financing activities

   $ 4,533         3,729         4,421        4,115        3,996        5,460   

Treasury stock repurchased (9)

   $ 3,373         2,648         2,854        3,981        3,949        3,719   

Common stock cash dividends

   $ 2,610         2,408         2,235        1,823        1,766        1,217   

Financial position at year end:

              

Total assets

   $ 32,990         31,975         30,225        28,462        29,392        28,974   

Total debt

   $ 12,500         11,505         10,578        10,218        9,301        8,408   

Total shareholders’ equity

   $ 14,390         14,634         14,034        13,383        15,280        15,458   

Shares outstanding in millions

     1,021         1,054         1,077        1,115        1,165        1,204   

Per common share:

              

Income from continuing operations-diluted

   $ 5.27         4.58         4.11 (1,2)       3.76 (3)       1.93 (4,5)       2.29 (7)  

Earnings-diluted

   $ 5.27         4.58         4.11 (1,2)       3.76 (3)       1.98 (4,5,6)       2.83 (7,8)  

Dividends declared

   $ 2.53         2.26         2.05        1.63        1.50        1.00   

Market price at year end

   $ 100.33         76.76         62.44        62.19        58.91        44.33   

Company-operated restaurants

     6,435         6,399         6,262        6,502        6,906        8,166   

Franchised restaurants

     27,075         26,338         26,216        25,465        24,471        22,880   

Total Systemwide restaurants

     33,510         32,737         32,478        31,967        31,377        31,046   

Franchised sales (10)

   $ 67,648         61,147         56,928        54,132        46,943        41,380   

 

(1) Includes pretax income due to Impairment and other charges (credits), net of $61.1 million ($91.4 million after tax or $0.08 per share) primarily related to the resolution of certain liabilities retained in connection with the 2007 Latin America developmental license transaction.

 

(2) Includes income of $58.8 million ($0.05 per share) in Gain on sale of investment related to the sale of the Company’s minority ownership interest in Redbox Automated Retail, LLC.

 

(3) Includes income of $109.0 million ($0.09 per share) in Gain on sale of investment from the sale of the Company’s minority ownership interest in U.K.- based Pret A Manger.

 

(4) Includes pretax operating charges of $1.7 billion ($1.32 per share) due to Impairment and other charges (credits), net primarily as a result of the Company’s sale of its businesses in 18 Latin American and Caribbean markets to a developmental licensee.

 

(5) Includes a tax benefit of $316.4 million ($0.26 per share) resulting from the completion of an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) examination of the Company’s 2003-2004 U.S. federal tax returns.

 

(6) Includes income of $60.1 million ($0.05 per share) related to discontinued operations primarily from the sale of the Company’s investment in Boston Market.

 

(7) Includes pretax operating charges of $134 million ($98 million after tax or $0.08 per share) due to Impairment and other charges (credits), net.

 

(8) Includes income of $678 million ($0.54 per share) related to discontinued operations primarily resulting from the disposal of the Company's investment in Chipotle.

 

(9) Represents treasury stock purchases as reflected in Shareholders' equity.

 

(10) While franchised sales are not recorded as revenues by the Company, management believes they are important in understanding the Company's financial performance because these sales are the basis on which the Company calculates and records franchised revenues and are indicative of the financial health of the franchisee base.

 

McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011     9


Table of Contents

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

 

 

Overview

DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS

The Company franchises and operates McDonald’s restaurants. Of the 33,510 restaurants in 119 countries at year-end 2011, 27,075 were franchised or licensed (including 19,527 franchised to conventional franchisees, 3,929 licensed to developmental licensees and 3,619 licensed to foreign affiliates (affiliates)—primarily Japan) and 6,435 were operated by the Company. Under our conventional franchise arrangement, franchisees provide a portion of the capital required by initially investing in the equipment, signs, seating and décor of their restaurant business, and by reinvesting in the business over time. The Company owns the land and building or secures long-term leases for both Company-operated and conventional franchised restaurant sites. This maintains long-term occupancy rights, helps control related costs and assists in alignment with franchisees. In certain circumstances, the Company participates in reinvestment for conventional franchised restaurants. Under our developmental license arrangement, licensees provide capital for the entire business, including the real estate interest, and the Company has no capital invested. In addition, the Company has an equity investment in a limited number of affiliates that invest in real estate and operate and/or franchise restaurants within a market.

We view ourselves primarily as a franchisor and believe franchising is important to delivering great, locally-relevant customer experiences and driving profitability. However, directly operating restaurants is paramount to being a credible franchisor and is essential to providing Company personnel with restaurant operations experience. In our Company-operated restaurants, and in collaboration with franchisees, we further develop and refine operating standards, marketing concepts and product and pricing strategies, so that only those that we believe are most beneficial are introduced in the restaurants. We continually review, and as appropriate adjust, our mix of Company-operated and franchised (conventional franchised, developmental licensed and foreign affiliated) restaurants to help optimize overall performance.

The Company’s revenues consist of sales by Company-operated restaurants and fees from restaurants operated by franchisees. Revenues from conventional franchised restaurants include rent and royalties based on a percent of sales along with minimum rent payments, and initial fees. Revenues from restaurants licensed to affiliates and developmental licensees include a royalty based on a percent of sales, and generally include initial fees. Fees vary by type of site, amount of Company investment, if any, and local business conditions. These fees, along with occupancy and operating rights, are stipulated in franchise/license agreements that generally have 20-year terms.

The business is managed as distinct geographic segments. Significant reportable segments include the United States (U.S.), Europe, and Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA). In addition, throughout this report we present “Other Countries & Corporate” that includes operations in Canada and Latin America, as well as Corporate activities. The U.S., Europe and APMEA segments account for 32%, 40% and 22% of total revenues, respectively. The United Kingdom (U.K.), France and Germany,

collectively, account for over 50% of Europe’s revenues; and China, Australia and Japan (a 50%-owned affiliate accounted for under the equity method), collectively, account for over 55% of APMEA’s revenues. These six markets along with the U.S. and Canada are referred to as “major markets” throughout this report and comprise approximately 70% of total revenues.

In analyzing business trends, management considers a variety of performance and financial measures, including comparable sales and comparable guest count growth, Systemwide sales growth and returns.

 

 

Constant currency results exclude the effects of foreign currency translation and are calculated by translating current year results at prior year average exchange rates. Management reviews and analyzes business results in constant currencies and bases certain incentive compensation plans on these results because we believe this better represents the Company’s underlying business trends.

 

 

Comparable sales and comparable guest counts are key performance indicators used within the retail industry and are indicative of acceptance of the Company’s initiatives as well as local economic and consumer trends. Increases or decreases in comparable sales and comparable guest counts represent the percent change in sales and transactions, respectively, from the same period in the prior year for all restaurants, whether operated by the Company or franchisees, in operation at least thirteen months, including those temporarily closed. Some of the reasons restaurants may be temporarily closed include reimaging or remodeling, rebuilding, road construction and natural disasters. Comparable sales exclude the impact of currency translation. Growth in comparable sales is driven by guest counts and average check, which is affected by changes in pricing and product mix. Generally, the goal is to achieve a balanced contribution from both guest counts and average check.

McDonald’s reports on a calendar basis and therefore the comparability of the same month, quarter and year with the corresponding period of the prior year will be impacted by the mix of days. The number of weekdays and weekend days in a given timeframe can have a positive or negative impact on comparable sales and guest counts. The Company refers to these impacts as calendar shift/trading day adjustments. In addition, the timing of holidays can impact comparable sales and guest counts. These impacts vary geographically due to consumer spending patterns and have the greatest effect on monthly comparable sales and guest counts while the annual impacts are typically minimal.

 

 

Systemwide sales include sales at all restaurants. While franchised sales are not recorded as revenues by the Company, management believes the information is important in understanding the Company’s financial performance because these sales are the basis on which the Company calculates and records franchised revenues and are indicative of the financial health of the franchisee base.

 

 

Return on incremental invested capital (ROIIC) is a measure reviewed by management over one-year and three-year time periods to evaluate the overall profitability of the business units, the effectiveness of capital deployed and the future allocation of capital. The return is calculated by dividing the change in operating income plus depreciation and amortization (numerator) by the adjusted cash used for investing activities

 

 

10     McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011


Table of Contents
   

(denominator), primarily capital expenditures. The calculation uses a constant average foreign exchange rate over the periods included in the calculation.

STRATEGIC DIRECTION AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

The strength of the alignment between the Company, its franchisees and suppliers (collectively referred to as the System) has been key to McDonald’s success. This business model enables McDonald’s to consistently deliver locally-relevant restaurant experiences to customers and be an integral part of the communities we serve. In addition, it facilitates our ability to identify, implement and scale innovative ideas that meet customers’ changing needs and preferences.

McDonald’s customer-focused Plan to Win—which concentrates on being better, not just bigger—provides a common framework for our global business while allowing for local adaptation. Through the execution of multiple initiatives surrounding the five elements of our Plan to Win—People, Products, Place, Price and Promotion—we have enhanced the restaurant experience for customers worldwide and grown comparable sales and customer visits in each of the last eight years. This Plan, combined with financial discipline, has delivered strong results for our shareholders.

We have exceeded our long-term, constant currency financial targets of average annual Systemwide sales growth of 3% to 5%; average annual operating income growth of 6% to 7%; and annual returns on incremental invested capital in the high teens every year since the Plan’s implementation in 2003, after adjusting for the loss in 2007 from the Latin America developmental license transaction. Given the size and scope of our global business, we believe these financial targets are realistic and sustainable over time, keeping us focused on making the best decisions for the long-term benefit of our System.

In 2011, we remained focused on customers’ needs and accelerated efforts within the Plan to Win where the greatest opportunity exists. The Company’s key global priorities of optimizing our menu, modernizing the customer experience, and broadening accessibility to our Brand represent areas where we are intensifying our efforts to drive the business further. Initiatives supporting these priorities resonated with consumers, driving increases in sales and customer visits despite challenging economies and a contracting Informal Eating Out (IEO) segment in many markets. As a result, every area of the world contributed to 2011 global comparable sales and guest counts increasing 5.6% and 3.7%, respectively.

Specific menu pricing actions across our system reflect local market conditions as well as other factors, notably the food away from home and food at home inflation indices. In our Company-operated restaurants, we manage menu board prices to ensure value at all price points, increase profitability and mitigate inflation, all while trying to maintain guest count momentum. In order to accomplish these objectives, we utilize a strategic pricing tool that balances price, product mix and promotion. Franchisees also have access to, and many utilize, this strategic pricing tool. In general, we believe franchisees employ a similar pricing strategy. In 2011, we increased average price at Company-operated restaurants in each area of the world, although increases varied by market and region. We look to optimize product mix by utilizing a menu with entry-point value, core, premium and fourth-tier offerings. We also introduce new products that meet customer needs, which can expand average check and increase guest counts.

In the U.S., we grew sales, guest counts and market share with comparable sales up for the ninth consecutive year, rising 4.8% in 2011, while comparable guest counts rose 3.3%. These results were achieved despite a slight decline in the IEO segment. We remained focused on maximizing our core business while providing customers with affordable products and value throughout our menu including options available on the Dollar Menu at breakfast and the rest of the day. We highlighted core menu items like Chicken McNuggets that featured new sauces, breakfast products including our new Fruit & Maple Oatmeal, additions to the McCafé beverage line and limited-time offerings such as the McRib sandwich. The national launch of the McCafé Frozen Strawberry Lemonade and Mango Pineapple real-fruit smoothie provided meaningful extensions to the McCafé beverage line. Convenient locations also continued to provide a competitive advantage with extended hours and efficient drive-thru service. Modernizing the customer experience remained a focus with the expansion of our major remodeling program to enhance the appearance and functionality of our restaurants and make our restaurants more relevant to our customers’ daily lives. Over 900 existing restaurants were remodeled during 2011 with the majority adding drive-thru capacity to capture additional guest counts. We also completed our two-year, Systemwide roll-out of a new point-of-sale system. This allows us to continue expanding our menu offerings while making it easier for our crew to fulfill every order accurately.

In Europe, comparable sales rose 5.9%, marking the eighth consecutive year of comparable sales increases, and comparable guest counts rose 3.4%. Major contributors were the U.K., France, Russia and Germany. Initiatives that helped drive our business included leveraging our tiered menu featuring everyday affordable prices, menu variety including new and limited-time offerings, and reimaging over 900 restaurants. We continue to expand our coffee business and have over 1,500 McCafé locations, which in Europe are generally separate areas inside the restaurants that serve specialty coffees, indulgent desserts and snacks. We completed the rollout of the new drive-thru customer order display system in over 4,500 restaurants. In addition, we increased our accessibility and convenience with extended operating hours. We offered new premium menu items such as the 1955 burger and expanded McWraps across several European markets. In many markets, we have continued to offer a fourth-tier platform—such as Little Tasters in the U.K.—a range of tasty and appealing items in smaller portion sizes. Finally, we continued building customer trust in our brand through communications that emphasized the quality and origin of McDonald’s food and our commitment to sustainable business practices.

In APMEA, our momentum continued with nearly every country delivering positive comparable sales, led by China and Australia. Comparable sales rose 4.7% and comparable guest counts rose 4.3% with performance driven by strategies emphasizing value, breakfast, convenience, core menu extensions, desserts and promotional food events. Australia launched a Value Lunch program that features meals at discounted price points for certain hours while China and Japan concentrated on affordability by continuing their Value Lunch platforms. New menu items such as real-fruit smoothies and frappés in Australia and the extension of the Value Breakfast program in China were popular with customers. Japan executed another successful U.S. themed burger promotion and celebrated its 40 th anniversary by offering popular core menu items at reduced prices. Desserts

 

 

McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011     11


Table of Contents

continue to play a meaningful role as we seek to deliver on customers’ menu expectations through products such as the McFlurry and unique delivery storefronts like the dessert kiosks in China, where we are now one of the largest ice cream retailers. Our breakfast business continues to evolve and is now offered in approximately 75% of APMEA restaurants. In Japan, rotational breakfast items, including the Chicken Muffin and Tuna Muffin, were offered during several months, while Australia launched new breakfast menu items such as bagel sandwiches. Nearly two-thirds of APMEA restaurants are now offering some form of extended operating hours and over 4,600 restaurants are open 24 hours. Delivery is offered in many APMEA markets and is now available in over 1,500 restaurants, including nearly 500 in China. McDonald’s Japan was negatively impacted by the natural disaster last March and as a result, continued to face some challenges throughout 2011. However, we remain confident that the market will continue to drive long-term profitable growth.

Our approach to offering affordable value to our customers is complemented by a focus on driving operating efficiencies and effectively managing restaurant-level food and paper costs by leveraging our scale, supply chain infrastructure and risk management practices. Our ability to execute our strategies in every area of the world, grow comparable sales and control selling, general & administrative expenses resulted in combined operating margin (operating income as a percent of total revenues) of 31.6% in 2011, an improvement of 0.6 percentage points over 2010.

In 2011, strong global sales and margin performance grew cash from operations, which rose $808 million to $7.2 billion. Our substantial cash flow, strong credit rating and continued access to credit provide us flexibility to fund capital expenditures and debt repayments as well as return cash to shareholders. Capital expenditures of approximately $2.7 billion were invested in our business primarily to open new restaurants and reimage existing restaurants. Across the System, 1,150 restaurants were opened and over 2,500 existing locations were reimaged. In addition, we returned $6.0 billion to shareholders consisting of $3.4 billion in share repurchases and $2.6 billion in dividends.

Cash from operations continues to benefit from our heavily franchised business model as the rent and royalty income received from owner/operators is a very stable revenue stream that has relatively low costs. In addition, the franchise business model is less capital intensive than the Company-owned model. We believe locally-owned and operated restaurants maximize brand performance and are at the core of our competitive advantages, making McDonald’s not just a global brand but also a locally-relevant one.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE YEAR INCLUDED:

 

 

Comparable sales grew 5.6% and guest counts rose 3.7%, building on 2010 increases of 5.0% and 4.9%, respectively.

 

 

Revenues increased 12% (8% in constant currencies).

 

 

Operating income increased 14% (10% in constant currencies).

 

 

Combined operating margin increased 0.6 percentage points to 31.6%.

 

 

Diluted earnings per share was $5.27, an increase of 15% (11% in constant currencies).

 

 

Cash provided by operations increased $808 million to $7.2 billion.

 

One-year ROIIC was 37.6% and three-year ROIIC was 37.8% for the period ended December 31, 2011 (see reconciliation on page 25).

 

 

The Company increased the quarterly cash dividend per share 15% to $0.70 for the fourth quarter—bringing our current annual dividend to $2.80 per share.

 

 

The Company returned $6.0 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends paid.

OUTLOOK FOR 2012

We will continue to drive success in 2012 and beyond by enhancing the customer experience across all elements of our Plan to Win. Our global System continues to be energized by our ongoing momentum and significant growth opportunities.

We hold a strong competitive position in the market place, and we intend to further differentiate our brand by striving to become our customers’ favorite place and way to eat and drink. Growing market share will continue to be a focus as we execute our three global priorities: optimizing our menu, modernizing the customer experience and broadening our accessibility. The menu efforts will include expanding destination beverages and desserts and enhancing our food image. The customer experience efforts will include accelerating our interior and exterior reimaging efforts and providing our restaurant teams with the appropriate tools, training, technology and staffing. The accessibility efforts will include increasing the level and variety of conveniences provided to our customers through greater proximity, extended operating hours and stronger value platforms. We will execute these priorities to increase McDonald’s brand relevance with operational and financial discipline. Consequently, we are confident we can again meet or exceed our long-term constant currency financial targets.

In the U.S., our 2012 initiatives focus on balancing core menu classics with new products and promotional food events such as Chicken McBites, made with bite-sized pieces of premium chicken breast, Blueberry Banana Nut Oatmeal, and additional McCafé beverage offerings such as the Cherry Berry Chiller. We will continue offering value across the menu at breakfast and the rest of the day. Opportunities around additional staffing at peak hours during the breakfast and lunch day parts and increasing restaurants that operate 24 hours per day will allow us to broaden accessibility to our customers. In addition, our plans to elevate the brand experience include leveraging our new point-of-sale system with other technology enhancements such as using hand-held order takers and advancements to improve our front counter service system. We also will expand our major remodel program to another 800 locations in 2012.

Our business plans in Europe are focused on building market share with the right mix of guest counts, average check, strategic restaurant reimaging and expansion. We will increase our local relevance by complementing our tiered menu with a variety of promotional food events as well as new snack and dessert options. In 2012, we will reimage approximately 900 restaurants as we progress towards our goal of having 90% of our interiors and over 65% of our exteriors reimaged by the end of the year. We will leverage service innovations by continuing the deployment of technologies such as updating the point-of-sale system, self-order kiosks and hand-held order devices to enhance the customer experience and help drive increased transactions and

 

 

12     McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011


Table of Contents

labor efficiency. We will also continue working to reduce our impact on the environment with energy management tools that enable us to use green energy in markets where available. In addition, the U.K. will be the proud host of our Olympic sponsorship, marking the ninth consecutive time that McDonald’s will serve as the Official Restaurant of the Olympic Games. In 2012, our European business will continue to face headwinds due to economic uncertainty and additional government-initiated austerity measures implemented in many countries. While we will closely monitor consumer reactions to these measures, we remain confident that our business model will continue to drive profitable growth.

In APMEA, we will continue our efforts to become our customers’ first choice for eating out by continuing to provide robust value platforms and focusing on menu variety, restaurant experience and convenience. Value will continue to be a key growth driver as we reinforce the affordability of our menu to consumers across all dayparts, by building on our successful Value Lunch platforms and expanding our breakfast offerings. The markets will continue to execute against a combination of core menu items, promotional food events, desserts and limited-time offerings to provide a balanced mix of products to our customers. We will grow our business by opening approximately 750 new restaurants and reimaging about 475 existing restaurants while elevating our focus on service and operations to drive efficiencies. In China, we will continue to build a foundation for long-term growth by opening 225 to 250 restaurants in 2012 toward our goal of reaching 2,000 restaurants by the end of 2013. Convenience initiatives will focus on expanding delivery service across the region and building on the success of our extended operating hours.

We continue to maintain strong financial discipline by effectively managing spending in order to maximize financial performance. In making capital allocation decisions, our goal is to make investments that elevate the McDonald’s experience and drive sustainable growth in sales and market share while earning strong returns. We remain committed to returning all of our free cash flow (cash from operations less capital expenditures) to shareholders over the long-term via dividends and share repurchases.

McDonald’s does not provide specific guidance on diluted earnings per share. The following information is provided to assist in analyzing the Company’s results:

 

 

Changes in Systemwide sales are driven by comparable sales and net restaurant unit expansion. The Company expects net restaurant additions to add approximately 2 percentage points to 2012 Systemwide sales growth (in constant currencies), most of which will be due to about 870 net traditional restaurants added in 2011.

 

 

The Company does not generally provide specific guidance on changes in comparable sales. However, as a perspective, assuming no change in cost structure, a 1 percentage point increase in comparable sales for either the U.S. or Europe would increase annual diluted earnings per share by about 3-4 cents.

 

 

With about 75% of McDonald’s grocery bill comprised of 10 different commodities, a basket of goods approach is the most comprehensive way to look at the Company’s commodity costs. For the full year 2012, the total basket of goods cost is expected to increase 4.5-5.5% in the U.S. and 2.5-3.5% in Europe, with more pressure expected in the first half.

 

 

The Company expects full-year 2012 selling, general & administrative expenses to increase about 6% in constant currencies, driven by certain technology investments, primarily to accelerate future restaurant capabilities, and costs related to the 2012 Worldwide Owner/Operator Convention and Olympics. The Company expects the magnitude of the increase to be confined to 2012. Fluctuations will be experienced between quarters due to the timing of certain items such as the Worldwide Owner/Operator Convention and the Olympics.

 

 

Based on current interest and foreign currency exchange rates, the Company expects interest expense for the full year 2012 to increase approximately 6-8% compared with 2011.

 

 

A significant part of the Company’s operating income is generated outside the U.S., and about 40% of its total debt is denominated in foreign currencies. Accordingly, earnings are affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates, particularly the Euro, British Pound, Australian Dollar and Canadian Dollar. Collectively, these currencies represent approximately 65% of the Company’s operating income outside the U.S. If all four of these currencies moved by 10% in the same direction, the Company’s annual diluted earnings per share would change by about 24 cents.

 

 

The Company expects the effective income tax rate for the full-year 2012 to be 31% to 33%. Some volatility may be experienced between the quarters resulting in a quarterly tax rate that is outside the annual range.

 

 

The Company expects capital expenditures for 2012 to be approximately $2.9 billion. About half of this amount will be used to open new restaurants. The Company expects to open more than 1,300 restaurants including about 450 restaurants in affiliated and developmental licensee markets, such as Japan and Latin America, where the Company does not fund any capital expenditures. The Company expects net additions of about 900 restaurants. The remaining capital will be used for reinvestment in existing restaurants. Nearly half of this reinvestment will be used to reimage more than 2,400 locations worldwide, some of which will require no capital investment from the Company.

 

 

McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011     13


Table of Contents

Consolidated Operating Results

 

 

Operating results

 

 

 

              2011                     2010            2009  
Dollars in millions, except per share data    Amount      Increase/
(decrease)
             Amount      Increase/
(decrease)
             Amount  

Revenues

                      

Sales by Company-operated restaurants

   $ 18,293         13        $ 16,233         5        $ 15,459   

Revenues from franchised restaurants

     8,713         11               7,842         8               7,286   

Total revenues

     27,006         12               24,075         6               22,745   

Operating costs and expenses

                      

Company-operated restaurant expenses

     14,838         14             13,060         3             12,651   

Franchised restaurants-occupancy expenses

     1,481         8             1,378         6             1,302   

Selling, general & administrative expenses

     2,394         3             2,333         4             2,234   

Impairment and other charges (credits), net

     (4      nm             29         nm             (61

Other operating (income) expense, net

     (233      (18            (198      11               (222

Total operating costs and expenses

     18,476         11               16,602         4               15,904   

Operating income

     8,530         14             7,473         9             6,841   

Interest expense

     493         9             451         (5          473   

Nonoperating (income) expense, net

     25         13             22         nm             (24

Gain on sale of investment

                                      nm               (95

Income before provision for income taxes

     8,012         14               7,000         8               6,487   

Provision for income taxes

     2,509         22               2,054         6               1,936   

Net income

   $ 5,503         11          $ 4,946         9          $ 4,551   

Earnings per common share—diluted

   $ 5.27         15          $ 4.58         11          $ 4.11   

Weighted-average common shares outstanding—diluted

     1,044.9                        1,080.3                        1,107.4   

nm Not meaningful.

IMPACT OF FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION ON REPORTED RESULTS

While changes in foreign currency exchange rates affect reported results, McDonald’s mitigates exposures, where practical, by financing in local currencies, hedging certain foreign-denominated cash flows, and purchasing goods and services in local currencies.

In 2011, foreign currency translation had a positive impact on consolidated operating results driven by the stronger Euro and Australian Dollar as well as most other currencies. In 2010, foreign currency translation had a positive impact on consolidated operating results driven by stronger global currencies, primarily the Australian Dollar and Canadian Dollar, partly offset by the weaker Euro. In 2009, foreign currency translation had a negative impact on consolidated operating results, primarily caused by the weaker Euro, British Pound, Russian Ruble, Australian Dollar and Canadian Dollar.

Impact of foreign currency translation on reported results

 

 

               

Reported amount

           

Currency translation

benefit/(cost)

 
In millions, except per share data    2011        2010        2009               2011        2010        2009  

Revenues

   $ 27,006         $ 24,075         $ 22,745            $ 944         $ 188         $ (1,340

Company-operated margins

     3,455           3,173           2,807              134           35           (178

Franchised margins

     7,232           6,464           5,985              213           (14        (176

Selling, general & administrative expenses

     2,394           2,333           2,234              (55        (12        75   

Operating income

     8,530           7,473           6,841              301           13           (273

Net income

     5,503           4,946           4,551              195           13           (164

Earnings per common share—diluted

     5.27           4.58           4.11                0.19           0.01           (0.15

 

14     McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011


Table of Contents

NET INCOME AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

In 2011, net income and diluted earnings per common share were $5.5 billion and $5.27. Foreign currency translation had a positive impact of $0.19 on diluted earnings per share.

In 2010, net income and diluted earnings per common share were $4.9 billion and $4.58. Results included after tax charges due to Impairment and other charges (credits), net of $25 million or $0.02 per share, primarily related to the Company’s share of restaurant closing costs in McDonald’s Japan (a 50%-owned affiliate) in conjunction with the strategic review of the market’s restaurant portfolio, partly offset by income related to the resolution of certain liabilities retained in connection with the 2007 Latin America developmental license transaction. Foreign currency translation had a positive impact of $0.01 per share on diluted earnings per share.

In 2009, net income and diluted earnings per common share were $4.6 billion and $4.11. Results benefited by after tax income due to Impairment and other charges (credits), net of $91 million or $0.08 per share, primarily due to the resolution of certain liabilities retained in connection with the 2007 Latin America developmental license transaction. Results also benefited by an after tax gain of $59 million or $0.05 per share due to the sale of the Company’s minority ownership interest in Redbox, reflected in Gain on sale of investment. Results were negatively impacted by $0.15 per share due to the effect of foreign currency translation.

The Company repurchased 41.9 million shares of its stock for $3.4 billion in 2011 and 37.8 million shares of its stock for nearly $2.7 billion in 2010, driving reductions of over 3% and 2% of total shares outstanding, respectively, net of stock option exercises.

 

 

 

REVENUES

The Company’s revenues consist of sales by Company-operated restaurants and fees from restaurants operated by franchisees. Revenues from conventional franchised restaurants include rent and royalties based on a percent of sales along with minimum rent payments, and initial fees. Revenues from franchised restaurants that are licensed to foreign affiliates and developmental licensees include a royalty based on a percent of sales, and generally include initial fees.

In 2011 and 2010, constant currency revenue growth was driven primarily by positive comparable sales as well as expansion.

Revenues

 

 

 

     Amount           Increase/(decrease)          Increase/(decrease)
excluding currency
translation
 
Dollars in millions    2011        2010        2009             2011      2010            2011      2010  

Company-operated sales:

                             

U.S.

   $ 4,433         $ 4,229         $ 4,295            5      (2 )%         5      (2 )% 

Europe

     7,852           6,932           6,721            13         3           8         5   

APMEA

     5,061           4,297           3,714            18         16           11         9   

Other Countries & Corporate

     947           775           729              22         6             17         (3

Total

   $ 18,293         $ 16,233         $ 15,459              13      5          8      4

Franchised revenues:

                             

U.S.

   $ 4,096         $ 3,883         $ 3,649            5      6        5      6

Europe

     3,034           2,637           2,553            15         3           9         8   

APMEA

     958           769           623            25         23           14         11   

Other Countries & Corporate

     625           553           461              13         20             8         16   

Total

   $ 8,713         $ 7,842         $ 7,286              11      8          8      8

Total revenues:

                             

U.S.

   $ 8,529         $ 8,112         $ 7,944            5      2        5      2

Europe

     10,886           9,569           9,274            14         3           8         6   

APMEA

     6,019           5,066           4,337            19         17           11         9   

Other Countries & Corporate

     1,572           1,328           1,190              18         12             14         4   

Total

   $ 27,006         $ 24,075         $ 22,745              12      6          8      5

 

In the U.S., revenues in 2011 and 2010 were positively impacted by the ongoing appeal of our iconic core products and the success of new products, as well as continued focus on everyday value, convenience and modernizing the customer experience. New products introduced in 2011 included Fruit & Maple Oatmeal and additions to the McCafé beverage line, while new products introduced in 2010 included McCafé frappés and smoothies as well as the Angus Snack Wraps. Refranchising activity negatively impacted revenue growth in 2010.

Europe’s constant currency increase in revenues in 2011 was primarily driven by comparable sales increases in Russia (which is

entirely Company-operated), the U.K., France and Germany, as well as expansion in Russia. The 2010 increase was primarily driven by comparable sales increases in the U.K., France and Russia, as well as expansion in Russia, partly offset by the impact of refranchising activity primarily in the U.K.

In APMEA, the constant currency increase in revenues in 2011 was primarily driven by comparable sales increases in China and most other markets. The 2010 increase was primarily driven by comparable sales increases in China, Australia and most other markets. In addition, expansion in China contributed to the increases in both years.

 

 

McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011     15


Table of Contents

The following tables present comparable sales, comparable guest counts and Systemwide sales increases:

Comparable sales and guest count increases

 

 

    

2011

        

2010

        

2009

 
       Sales      Guest
Counts
           Sales      Guest
Counts
           Sales      Guest
Counts
 

U.S.

     4.8      3.3        3.8      5.3        2.6      0.5

Europe

     5.9         3.4           4.4         2.7           5.2         2.8   

APMEA

     4.7         4.3           6.0         4.9           3.4         1.4   

Other Countries & Corporate

     10.1         4.5             11.3         8.3             5.5         2.4   

Total

     5.6      3.7          5.0      4.9          3.8      1.4

Systemwide sales increases

 

 

    

Excluding currency

translation

 
       2011      2010            2011      2010  

U.S.

     5      4        5      4

Europe

     14         3           9         7   

APMEA

     16         15           7         7   

Other Countries & Corporate

     17         13             12         13   

Total

     11      7          7      6

Franchised sales are not recorded as revenues by the Company, but are the basis on which the Company calculates and records franchised revenues and are indicative of the health of the franchisee base. The following table presents Franchised sales and the related increases:

Franchised Sales

 

 

     Amount           Increase          Increase excluding
currency translation
 
Dollars in millions    2011        2010        2009             2011      2010            2011      2010  

U.S.

   $ 29,739         $ 28,166         $ 26,737            6      5        6      5

Europe

     17,243           15,049           14,573            15         3           9         8   

APMEA

     13,041           11,373           9,871            15         15           6         7   

Other Countries & Corporate

     7,625           6,559           5,747              16         14             12         15   

Total

   $ 67,648         $ 61,147         $ 56,928              11      7          7      7

 

RESTAURANT MARGINS

 

 

Franchised margins

Franchised margin dollars represent revenues from franchised restaurants less the Company’s occupancy costs (rent and depreciation) associated with those sites. Franchised margin dollars represented about two-thirds of the combined restaurant margins in 2011, 2010 and 2009. Franchised margin dollars increased $768 million or 12% (9% in constant currencies) in 2011 and $479 million or 8% (8% in constant currencies) in 2010. Positive comparable sales were the primary driver of the constant currency growth in franchised margin dollars in both years.

Franchised margins

 

 

 

In millions    2011     2010     2009  

U.S.

   $ 3,436      $ 3,239      $ 3,031   

Europe

     2,400        2,063        1,998   

APMEA

     858        686        559   

Other Countries & Corporate

     538        476        397   

Total

   $ 7,232      $ 6,464      $ 5,985   
                          
Percent of revenues                         

U.S.

     83.9     83.4     83.1

Europe

     79.1        78.2        78.3   

APMEA

     89.5        89.3        89.6   

Other Countries & Corporate

     86.1        86.0        86.1   

Total

     83.0     82.4     82.1

In the U.S., the franchised margin percent increase in 2011 and 2010 was primarily due to positive comparable sales, partly offset by higher occupancy costs.

In Europe, the franchised margin percent increase in 2011 was primarily due to positive comparable sales, partly offset by

 

 

16     McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011


Table of Contents

higher occupancy costs. Europe’s franchised margin percent decreased in 2010 as positive comparable sales were more than offset by higher occupancy expenses, the cost of strategic brand and sales building initiatives and the refranchising strategy.

In APMEA, the franchised margin percent increase in 2011 was primarily due to a contractual escalation in the royalty rate for Japan in addition to positive comparable sales in most markets, partly offset by a negative impact from the strengthening of the Australian dollar. The 2010 decrease was primarily driven by a negative impact from the strengthening of the Australian dollar.

The franchised margin percent in APMEA and Other Countries & Corporate is higher relative to the U.S. and Europe due to a larger proportion of developmental licensed and/or affiliated restaurants where the Company receives royalty income with no corresponding occupancy costs.

 

 

Company-operated margins

Company-operated margin dollars represent sales by Company-operated restaurants less the operating costs of these restaurants. Company-operated margin dollars increased $282 million or 9% (5% in constant currencies) in 2011 and increased $366 million or 13% (12% in constant currencies) in 2010. The constant currency growth in Company-operated margin dollars in 2011 was driven by positive comparable sales partially offset by higher costs, primarily commodity costs, in all segments. Positive comparable sales and lower commodity costs were the primary drivers of the constant currency growth in Company-operated margin dollars in 2010.

Company-operated margins

 

 

 

In millions    2011     2010     2009  

U.S.

   $ 914      $ 902      $ 832   

Europe

     1,514        1,373        1,240   

APMEA

     876        764        624   

Other Countries & Corporate

     151        134        111   

Total

   $ 3,455      $ 3,173      $ 2,807   
                          
Percent of sales                         

U.S.

     20.6     21.3     19.4

Europe

     19.3        19.8        18.4   

APMEA

     17.3        17.8        16.8   

Other Countries & Corporate

     16.0        17.2        15.2   

Total

     18.9     19.6     18.2

In the U.S., the Company-operated margin percent decreased in 2011 due to higher commodity and occupancy costs, partially offset by positive comparable sales. The margin percent increased in 2010 due to lower commodity costs and positive comparable sales, partly offset by higher labor costs. Refranchising also had a positive impact on the margin percent in 2010.

Europe’s Company-operated margin percent decreased in 2011 primarily due to higher commodity, labor, and occupancy costs, partially offset by positive comparable sales. The margin percent increased in 2010 primarily due to positive comparable sales and lower commodity costs, partly offset by higher labor costs.

In APMEA, the Company-operated margin percent in 2011 reflected positive comparable sales, offset by higher commodity, labor and occupancy costs. Acceleration of new restaurant openings in China negatively impacted the margin percent. Similar to

other markets, new restaurants in China initially open with lower margins that grow significantly over time. The APMEA margin percent increased in 2010 due to positive comparable sales and lower commodity costs, partly offset by higher occupancy & other costs and increased labor costs.

Supplemental information regarding Company-operated restaurants

We continually review our restaurant ownership mix with a goal of improving local relevance, profits and returns. In most cases, franchising is the best way to achieve these goals, but as previously stated, Company-operated restaurants are also important to our success.

We report results for Company-operated restaurants based on their sales, less costs directly incurred by that business including occupancy costs. We report the results for franchised restaurants based on franchised revenues, less associated occupancy costs. For this reason and because we manage our business based on geographic segments and not on the basis of our ownership structure, we do not specifically allocate selling, general & administrative expenses and other operating (income) expenses to Company-operated or franchised restaurants. Other operating items that relate to the Company-operated restaurants generally include gains/losses on sales of restaurant businesses and write-offs of equipment and leasehold improvements.

We believe the following information about Company-operated restaurants in our most significant segments provides an additional perspective on this business. Management responsible for our Company-operated restaurants in these markets analyzes the Company-operated business on this basis to assess its performance. Management of the Company also considers this information when evaluating restaurant ownership mix, subject to other relevant considerations.

The following table seeks to illustrate the two components of our Company-operated margins. The first of these relates exclusively to restaurant operations, which we refer to as “Store operating margin.” The second relates to the value of our brand and the real estate interest we retain for which we charge rent and royalties. We refer to this component as “Brand/real estate margin.” Both Company-operated and conventional franchised restaurants are charged rent and royalties, although rent and royalties for Company-operated restaurants are eliminated in consolidation. Rent and royalties for both restaurant ownership types are based on a percentage of sales, and the actual rent percentage varies depending on the level of McDonald’s investment in the restaurant. Royalty rates may also vary by market.

As shown in the following table, in disaggregating the components of our Company-operated margins, certain costs with respect to Company-operated restaurants are reflected in Brand/real estate margin. Those costs consist of rent payable by McDonald’s to third parties on leased sites and depreciation for buildings and leasehold improvements and constitute a portion of occupancy & other operating expenses recorded in the Consolidated statement of income. Store operating margins reflect rent and royalty expenses, and those amounts are accounted for as income in calculating Brand/real estate margin.

While we believe that the following information provides a perspective in evaluating our Company-operated business, it is not intended as a measure of our operating performance or as an alternative to operating income or restaurant margins as reported by the Company in accordance with accounting principles

 

 

McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011     17


Table of Contents

generally accepted in the U.S. In particular, as noted previously, we do not allocate selling, general & administrative expenses to our Company-operated business. However, we believe that about $50,000 per restaurant, on average, is the typical cost to support this business in the U.S. The actual costs in markets outside the

U.S. will vary depending on local circumstances and the organizational structure of the market. These costs reflect the indirect services we believe are necessary to provide the appropriate support of the restaurant.

 

 

 

 

     U.S.             Europe  
Dollars in millions    2011        2010        2009               2011        2010        2009  

As reported

                              

Number of Company-operated restaurants at year end

     1,552           1,550           1,578              1,985           2,005           2,001   

Sales by Company-operated restaurants

   $ 4,433         $ 4,229         $ 4,295            $ 7,852         $ 6,932         $ 6,721   

Company-operated margin

   $ 914         $ 902         $ 832              $ 1,514         $ 1,373         $ 1,240   

Store operating margin

                              

Company-operated margin

   $ 914         $ 902         $ 832            $ 1,514         $ 1,373         $ 1,240   

Plus:

                              

Outside rent expense (1)

     56           60           65              242           223           222   

Depreciation—buildings & leasehold improvements (1)

     69           65           70              118           105           100   

Less:

                              

Rent & royalties (2)

     (651        (619        (634             (1,598        (1,409        (1,363

Store operating margin

   $ 388         $ 408         $ 333              $ 276         $ 292         $ 199   

Brand/real estate margin

                              

Rent & royalties (2)

   $ 651         $ 619         $ 634            $ 1,598         $ 1,409         $ 1,363   

Less:

                              

Outside rent expense (1)

     (56        (60        (65           (242        (223        (222

Depreciation—buildings & leasehold improvements (1)

     (69        (65        (70             (118        (105        (100

Brand/real estate margin

   $ 526         $ 494         $ 499              $ 1,238         $ 1,081         $ 1,041   

 

(1) Represents certain costs recorded as occupancy & other operating expenses in the Consolidated statement of income – rent payable by McDonald’s to third parties on leased sites and depreciation for buildings and leasehold improvements. This adjustment is made to reflect these occupancy costs in Brand/real estate margin. The relative percentage of sites that are owned versus leased varies by country.

 

(2) Reflects average Company-operated rent and royalties (as a percent of sales: U.S.: 2011 – 14.7%; 2010 – 14.6%; 2009 – 14.8%; Europe: 2011 – 20.4%; 2010 – 20.3%; 2009 – 20.3%). This adjustment is made to reflect expense in Store operating margin and income in Brand/real estate margin. Countries within Europe have varying economic profiles and a wide range of rent and royalty rates as a percentage of sales.

 

 

 

SELLING, GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Consolidated selling, general & administrative expenses increased 3% (flat in constant currencies) in 2011 and increased 4% (4% in constant currencies) in 2010. The growth rate for 2011 was flat as higher employee and other costs were offset by lower incentive based compensation and costs in 2010 related to the Vancouver Olympics and the Company’s biennial Worldwide Owner/Operator Convention. The Olympics and Convention contributed to the increase in 2010.

Selling, general & administrative expenses

 

 

 

     Amount             Increase/
(decrease)
         Increase/(decrease)
excluding currency
translation
 
Dollars in millions    2011        2010        2009               2011     2010            2011     2010  

U.S.

   $ 779         $ 781         $ 751              0     4        0     4

Europe

     699           653           655              7        0           2        2   

APMEA

     341           306           276              12        10           5        4   

Other Countries & Corporate (1)

     575           593           552                (3     7             (4     5   

Total

   $ 2,394         $ 2,333         $ 2,234                3     4          0     4

 

(1) Included in Other Countries & Corporate are home office support costs in areas such as facilities, finance, human resources, information technology, legal, marketing, restaurant operations, supply chain and training.

Selling, general & administrative expenses as a percent of revenues were 8.9% in 2011 compared with 9.7% in 2010 and 9.8% in 2009. Selling, general & administrative expenses as a percent of Systemwide sales were 2.8% in 2011 compared with 3.0% in 2010 and 3.1% in 2009. Management believes that analyzing selling, general & administrative expenses as a percent of Systemwide sales, as well as revenues, is meaningful because these costs are incurred to support Systemwide restaurants.

 

18     McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011


Table of Contents

IMPAIRMENT AND OTHER CHARGES (CREDITS), NET

The Company recorded impairment and other charges (credits), net of ($4) million in 2011, $29 million in 2010 and ($61) million in 2009. Management does not include these items when reviewing business performance trends because we do not believe these items are indicative of expected ongoing results.

Impairment and other charges (credits), net

 

 

 

In millions, except per share data    2011     2010     2009  

Europe

     $ 1      $ 4   

APMEA

   $ (4 )       49     

Other Countries & Corporate

             (21     (65

Total

   $ (4   $ 29      $ (61

After tax (1)

   $ 17      $ 25      $ (91

Earnings per common share-diluted

   $ 0.01      $ 0.02      $ (0.08

 

(1) Certain items were not tax affected.

In 2010, the Company recorded expense of $29 million primarily related to its share of restaurant closing costs in McDonald’s Japan in conjunction with the strategic review of the market’s restaurant portfolio, partly offset by income related to the resolution of certain liabilities retained in connection with the 2007 Latin America developmental license transaction.

In 2009, the Company recorded income of $61 million related primarily to the resolution of certain liabilities retained in connection with the 2007 Latin America developmental license transaction. The Company also recognized a tax benefit in 2009 in connection with this income, mainly related to the release of a tax valuation allowance.

OTHER OPERATING (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET

Other operating (income) expense, net

 

 

 

In millions    2011     2010     2009  

Gains on sales of restaurant businesses

   $ (82   $ (79   $ (113

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates

     (178     (164     (168

Asset dispositions and other expense

     27        45        59   

Total

   $ (233   $ (198   $ (222
 

Gains on sales of restaurant businesses

Gains on sales of restaurant businesses include gains from sales of Company-operated restaurants as well as gains from exercises of purchase options by franchisees with business facilities lease arrangements (arrangements where the Company leases the businesses, including equipment, to franchisees who generally have options to purchase the businesses). The Company’s purchases and sales of businesses with its franchisees are aimed at achieving an optimal ownership mix in each market. Resulting gains or losses are recorded in operating income because the transactions are a recurring part of our business. The Company realized lower gains on sales of restaurant businesses in 2010 compared with 2009 primarily as a result of selling fewer Company-operated restaurants to franchisees.

 

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates

Unconsolidated affiliates and partnerships are businesses in which the Company actively participates, but does not control. The Company records equity in earnings from these entities representing McDonald’s share of results. For foreign affiliated markets—primarily Japan—results are reported after interest expense and income taxes. McDonald’s share of results for partnerships in certain consolidated markets such as the U.S. is reported before income taxes. These partnership restaurants are operated under conventional franchise arrangements and, therefore, are classified as conventional franchised restaurants. Results in 2011 reflected a benefit from stronger foreign currencies partly offset by the decline in the number of unconsolidated partnerships in the U.S. Results in 2010 reflected a reduction in the number of unconsolidated partnerships worldwide partly offset by improved operating performance in Japan.

 

 

Asset dispositions and other expense

Asset dispositions and other expense consists of gains or losses on excess property and other asset dispositions, provisions for restaurant closings and uncollectible receivables, asset write-offs due to restaurant reinvestment, and other miscellaneous income and expenses. Asset dispositions and other expense declined in 2011 primarily due to higher gains on unconsolidated partnership dissolutions in the U.S.

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME

Operating income

 

 

 

     Amount           Increase/(decrease)          Increase/(decrease)
excluding currency
translation
 
Dollars in millions    2011        2010        2009             2011      2010            2011      2010  

U.S.

   $ 3,666         $ 3,446         $ 3,232            6      7 %             6      7

Europe

     3,227           2,797           2,588            15         8           10         12   

APMEA

     1,526           1,200           989            27         21           17         11   

Other Countries & Corporate

     111           30           32              nm         (6          nm         (43

Total

   $ 8,530         $ 7,473         $ 6,841              14      9          10      9

nm Not meaningful.

 

In the U.S., 2011 and 2010 results increased primarily due to higher combined restaurant margin dollars, primarily franchised margin dollars.

In Europe, results for 2011 and 2010 were driven by stronger operating performance in France, the U.K., Russia and Germany. The increases in 2011 and 2010 were driven by higher combined

 

 

McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011     19


Table of Contents

restaurant margin dollars, primarily franchised margin dollars in 2011 and Company-operated margin dollars in 2010.

In APMEA, 2011 results increased due to stronger operating results in many markets. Results for 2010 were primarily driven by stronger results in Australia and many other markets. Impairment charges in 2010 positively impacted the constant currency growth rate for 2011 by 4 percentage points and negatively impacted the 2010 growth rate by 4 percentage points.

 

 

Combined operating margin

Combined operating margin is defined as operating income as a percent of total revenues. Combined operating margin for 2011, 2010 and 2009 was 31.6%, 31.0% and 30.1%, respectively.

INTEREST EXPENSE

Interest expense increased in 2011 primarily due to higher average debt balances and stronger foreign currencies, partly offset by lower average interest rates. Interest expense decreased in 2010 primarily due to lower average interest rates slightly offset by higher average debt balances.

NONOPERATING (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET

Nonoperating (income) expense, net

 

 

 

In millions    2011     2010     2009  

Interest income

   $ (39   $ (20   $ (19

Foreign currency and hedging activity

     9        (2     (32

Other expense

     55        44        27   

Total

   $ 25      $ 22      $ (24

Interest income consists primarily of interest earned on short-term cash investments. Foreign currency and hedging activity includes net gains or losses on certain hedges that reduce the exposure to variability on certain intercompany foreign currency cash flow streams. Other expense primarily consists of miscellaneous nonoperating income and expense items such as amortization of debt issuance costs.

GAIN ON SALE OF INVESTMENT

In 2009, the Company sold its minority ownership interest in Redbox to Coinstar, Inc., the majority owner, for total consideration of $145 million. As a result of the transaction, the Company recognized a nonoperating pretax gain of $95 million (after tax – $59 million or $0.05 per share).

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

In 2011, 2010 and 2009, the reported effective income tax rates were 31.3%, 29.3% and 29.8%, respectively.

In 2011, the effective income tax rate increased due to lower tax benefits related to certain foreign tax credits, partially offset by nonrecurring deferred tax benefits related to certain foreign operations.

In 2010, the effective income tax rate decreased due to higher tax benefits related to foreign operations.

In 2009, the effective income tax rate benefited by 0.7 percentage points primarily due to the resolution of certain liabilities retained in connection with the 2007 Latin America developmental license transaction.

Consolidated net deferred tax liabilities included tax assets, net of valuation allowance, of $1.5 billion and $1.6 billion in 2011 and 2010, respectively. Substantially all of the net tax assets are expected to be realized in the U.S. and other profitable markets.

ACCOUNTING CHANGES

 

 

Fair value measurements

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued an update to Topic 820 – Fair Value Measurement of the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC). This update provides guidance on how fair value accounting should be applied where its use is already required or permitted by other standards and does not extend the use of fair value accounting. The Company will adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2012, as required, and does not expect the adoption to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

 

Comprehensive Income

In June 2011, the FASB issued an update to Topic 220 – Comprehensive Income of the ASC. The update is intended to increase the prominence of other comprehensive income in the financial statements. The guidance requires that the Company presents components of comprehensive income in either one continuous statement or two separate consecutive statements and no longer permits the presentation of comprehensive income in the Consolidated statement of shareholders’ equity. The Company will adopt this new guidance effective January 1, 2012, as required.

 

 

Variable interest entities and consolidation

In June 2009, the FASB issued amendments to the guidance on variable interest entities and consolidation, codified primarily in the Consolidation Topic of the FASB ASC. This guidance modifies the method for determining whether an entity is a variable interest entity as well as the methods permitted for determining the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. In addition, this guidance requires ongoing reassessments of whether a company is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity and enhanced disclosures related to a company’s involvement with a variable interest entity. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2010.

On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its business relationships such as those with franchisees, joint venture partners, developmental licensees, suppliers, and advertising cooperatives to identify potential variable interest entities. Generally, these businesses qualify for a scope exception under the consolidation guidance. The Company has concluded that consolidation of any such entities is not appropriate for the periods presented. As a result, the adoption did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Cash Flows

 

 

The Company generates significant cash from its operations and has substantial credit availability and capacity to fund operating and discretionary spending such as capital expenditures, debt repayments, dividends and share repurchases.

Cash provided by operations totaled $7.2 billion and exceeded capital expenditures by $4.4 billion in 2011, while cash provided by operations totaled $6.3 billion and exceeded capital expenditures by $4.2 billion in 2010. In 2011, cash provided by operations increased $808 million or 13% compared with 2010 primarily due to higher operating results. In 2010, cash provided by operations increased $591 million or 10% compared with 2009 primarily due to higher operating results.

 

 

20     McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011


Table of Contents

Cash used for investing activities totaled $2.6 billion in 2011, an increase of $515 million compared with 2010. This reflects higher capital expenditures, partly offset by higher proceeds from sales of restaurant businesses. Cash used for investing activities totaled $2.1 billion in 2010, an increase of $401 million compared with 2009. This reflects higher capital expenditures and lower proceeds from sales of investments and restaurant businesses.

Cash used for financing activities totaled $4.5 billion in 2011, an increase of $804 million compared with 2010, primarily due to higher treasury stock purchases, an increase in the common stock dividend, and lower proceeds from stock option exercises, partly offset by higher net debt issuances. Cash used for financing activities totaled $3.7 billion in 2010, a decrease of $692 million compared with 2009, primarily due to higher net debt issuances, higher proceeds from stock option exercises and lower treasury stock purchases, partly offset by an increase in the common stock dividend.

As a result of the above activity, the Company’s cash and equivalents balance decreased $51 million in 2011 to $2.3 billion, compared with an increase of $591 million in 2010. In addition to cash and equivalents on hand and cash provided by operations, the Company can meet short-term funding needs through its continued access to commercial paper borrowings and line of credit agreements.

RESTAURANT DEVELOPMENT AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

In 2011, the Company opened 1,118 traditional restaurants and 32 satellite restaurants (small, limited-menu restaurants for which the land and building are generally leased), and closed 246 traditional restaurants and 131 satellite restaurants. In 2010, the Company opened 957 traditional restaurants and 35 satellite restaurants, and closed 406 traditional restaurants and 327 satellite restaurants. Of these closures, there were over 400 in McDonald’s Japan due to the strategic review of the market’s restaurant portfolio. The majority of restaurant openings and closings occurred in the major markets in both years. The Company closes restaurants for a variety of reasons, such as existing sales and profit performance or loss of real estate tenure.

Systemwide restaurants at year end (1)

 

 

 

       2011        2010        2009  

U.S.

     14,098           14,027           13,980   

Europe

     7,156           6,969           6,785   

APMEA

     8,865           8,424           8,488   

Other Countries & Corporate

     3,391           3,317           3,225   

Total

     33,510           32,737           32,478   

 

(1) Includes satellite units at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 as follows: U.S.—1,084, 1,112, 1,155; Europe—240, 239, 241; APMEA (primarily Japan)—949, 1,010, 1,263; Other Countries & Corporate—459, 470, 464.

Approximately 65% of Company-operated restaurants and over 75% of franchised restaurants were located in the major markets at the end of 2011. Over 80% of the restaurants at year-end 2011 were franchised.

Capital expenditures increased $595 million or 28% in 2011 primarily due to higher reinvestment in existing restaurants and higher investment in new restaurants. Capital expenditures increased $183 million or 9% in 2010 primarily due to higher investment in new restaurants. In both years, capital expenditures

reflected the Company’s commitment to grow sales at existing restaurants, including reinvestment initiatives such as reimaging in many markets around the world.

Capital expenditures invested in major markets, excluding Japan, represented over 65% of the total in 2011, 2010 and 2009. Japan is accounted for under the equity method, and accordingly its capital expenditures are not included in consolidated amounts.

Capital expenditures

 

 

 

In millions    2011      2010      2009  

New restaurants

   $ 1,193       $ 968       $ 809   

Existing restaurants

     1,432         1,089         1,070   

Other (1)

     105         78         73   

Total capital expenditures

   $ 2,730       $ 2,135       $ 1,952   

Total assets

   $ 32,990       $ 31,975       $ 30,225   

 

(1) Primarily corporate equipment and other office-related expenditures.

New restaurant investments in all years were concentrated in markets with acceptable returns or opportunities for long-term growth. Average development costs vary widely by market depending on the types of restaurants built and the real estate and construction costs within each market. These costs, which include land, buildings and equipment, are managed through the use of optimally sized restaurants, construction and design efficiencies, and leveraging best practices. Although the Company is not responsible for all costs for every restaurant opened, total development costs (consisting of land, buildings and equipment) for new traditional McDonald’s restaurants in the U.S. averaged approximately $2.7 million in 2011.

The Company owned approximately 45% of the land and about 70% of the buildings for restaurants in its consolidated markets at year-end 2011 and 2010.

SHARE REPURCHASES AND DIVIDENDS

For the last three years, the Company returned a total of $16.1 billion to shareholders through a combination of shares repurchased and dividends paid.

Shares repurchased and dividends

 

 

 

In millions, except per share data   2011      2010      2009  

Number of shares repurchased

    41.9         37.8         50.3   

Shares outstanding at year end

    1,021         1,054         1,077   

Dividends declared per share

  $ 2.53       $ 2.26       $ 2.05   

Dollar amount of shares repurchased

  $ 3,373       $ 2,648       $ 2,854   

Dividends paid

    2,610         2,408         2,235   

Total returned to shareholders

  $ 5,983       $ 5,056       $ 5,089   

In September 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a $10 billion share repurchase program with no specified expiration date. In 2009, 2010 and 2011 combined, approximately 87 million shares have been repurchased for $6.5 billion under this program.

The Company has paid dividends on its common stock for 36 consecutive years and has increased the dividend amount every year. The 2011 full year dividend of $2.53 per share reflects the quarterly dividend paid for each of the first three quarters of $0.61 per share, with an increase to $0.70 per share paid in the fourth quarter. This 15% increase in the quarterly dividend

 

 

McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011     21


Table of Contents

equates to a $2.80 per share annual dividend and reflects the Company’s confidence in the ongoing strength and reliability of its cash flow. As in the past, future dividend amounts will be considered after reviewing profitability expectations and financing needs, and will be declared at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors.

Financial Position and Capital Resources

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS AND RETURNS

Total assets increased $1.0 billion or 3% in 2011. Excluding the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, total assets increased $1.4 billion in 2011. Over 75% of total assets were in major markets at year-end 2011. Net property and equipment increased $774 million in 2011 and represented about 70% of total assets at year end. Excluding the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, net property and equipment increased $1.1 billion primarily due to capital expenditures, partly offset by depreciation.

Operating income is used to compute return on average assets, while net income is used to calculate return on average common equity. Month-end balances are used to compute both average assets and average common equity.

 

 

 

       2011      2010      2009  

Return on average assets

     26.0      24.7      23.4

Return on average common equity

     37.7         35.3         34.0   

In 2011, 2010, and 2009, return on average assets and return on average common equity benefited from strong global operating results. Operating income, as reported, does not include interest income; however, cash balances are included in average assets. The inclusion of cash balances in average assets reduced return on average assets by about two percentage points for all years presented.

FINANCING AND MARKET RISK

The Company generally borrows on a long-term basis and is exposed to the impact of interest rate changes and foreign currency fluctuations. Debt obligations at December 31, 2011 totaled $12.5 billion, compared with $11.5 billion at December 31, 2010. The net increase in 2011 was primarily due to net issuances of $1.0 billion.

Debt highlights (1)

 

 

 

       2011     2010     2009  

Fixed-rate debt as a percent of total debt (2,3)

     69     66     68

Weighted-average annual interest rate of total debt (3)

     4.2        4.3        4.5   

Foreign currency-denominated debt as a percent of total debt (2)

     40        41        43   

Total debt as a percent of total capitalization (total debt and total shareholders’ equity) (2)

      
     46        44        43   

Cash provided by operations as a percent of total debt (2)

     57        55        55   

 

(1) All percentages are as of December 31, except for the weighted-average annual interest rate, which is for the year.

 

(2) Based on debt obligations before the effect of fair value hedging adjustments. This effect is excluded as these adjustments have no impact on the obligation at maturity. See Debt financing note to the consolidated financial statements.

 

(3) Includes the effect of interest rate swaps.

Fitch, Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s currently rate, with a stable outlook, the Company’s commercial paper F1, A-1 and P-1, respectively; and its long-term debt A, A and A2, respectively.

Certain of the Company’s debt obligations contain cross-acceleration provisions and restrictions on Company and subsidiary mortgages and the long-term debt of certain subsidiaries. There are no provisions in the Company’s debt obligations that would accelerate repayment of debt as a result of a change in credit ratings or a material adverse change in the Company’s business. Under existing authorization from the Company’s Board of Directors, at December 31, 2011, the Company had $1.7 billion of authority remaining to borrow funds, including through (i) public or private offering of debt securities; (ii) direct borrowing from banks or other financial institutions; and (iii) other forms of indebtedness. In addition to debt securities available through a medium-term notes program registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and a Global Medium-Term Notes program, the Company has $1.5 billion available under committed line of credit agreements as well as authority to issue commercial paper in the U.S. and global markets (see Debt financing note to the consolidated financial statements). Debt maturing in 2012 is approximately $964 million of long-term corporate debt. In 2012, the Company expects to issue commercial paper and long-term debt to refinance this maturing debt. Consequently, in February 2012, the Company issued $250.0 million of 10-year U.S. Dollar-denominated notes at a coupon rate of 2.625%, and $500.0 million of 30-year U.S. Dollar-denominated notes at a coupon rate of 3.70%. The Company also has $640 million of foreign currency bank line borrowings outstanding at year-end 2011.

The Company uses major capital markets, bank financings and derivatives to meet its financing requirements and reduce interest expense. The Company manages its debt portfolio in response to changes in interest rates and foreign currency rates by periodically retiring, redeeming and repurchasing debt, terminating swaps and using derivatives. The Company does not use derivatives with a level of complexity or with a risk higher than the exposures to be hedged and does not hold or issue derivatives for trading purposes. All swaps are over-the-counter instruments.

In managing the impact of interest rate changes and foreign currency fluctuations, the Company uses interest rate swaps and finances in the currencies in which assets are denominated. The Company uses foreign currency debt and derivatives to hedge the foreign currency risk associated with certain royalties, intercompany financings and long-term investments in foreign subsidiaries and affiliates. This reduces the impact of fluctuating foreign currencies on cash flows and shareholders’ equity. Total foreign currency-denominated debt was $5.0 billion and $4.7 billion for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. In addition, where practical, the Company’s restaurants purchase goods and services in local currencies resulting in natural hedges. See Summary of significant accounting policies note to the consolidated financial statements related to financial instruments and hedging activities for additional information regarding the accounting impact and use of derivatives.

The Company does not have significant exposure to any individual counterparty and has master agreements that contain netting arrangements. Certain of these agreements also require each party to post collateral if credit ratings fall below, or aggregate exposures exceed, certain contractual limits. At

 

 

22     McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011


Table of Contents

December 31, 2011, neither the Company nor its counterparties were required to post collateral on any derivative position, other than on hedges of certain of the Company’s supplemental benefit plan liabilities where our counterparty was required to post collateral on its liability position.

The Company’s net asset exposure is diversified among a broad basket of currencies. The Company’s largest net asset exposures (defined as foreign currency assets less foreign currency liabilities) at year end were as follows:

Foreign currency net asset exposures

 

 

 

In millions of U.S. Dollars      2011        2010  

Euro

     $ 5,905         $ 5,465   

Australian Dollars

       2,409           2,075   

Canadian Dollars

       1,224           1,123   

British Pounds Sterling

       726           547   

Russian Ruble

       594           589   

The Company prepared sensitivity analyses of its financial instruments to determine the impact of hypothetical changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and the fair value of its financial instruments. The interest rate analysis assumed a one percentage point adverse change in interest rates on all financial instruments, but did not consider the effects of the reduced level of economic activity that could exist in such an environment. The foreign currency rate analysis assumed that each foreign currency rate would change by 10% in the same direction relative to the U.S. Dollar on all financial instruments; however, the analysis did not include the potential impact on revenues, local currency prices or the effect of fluctuating currencies on the Company’s anticipated foreign currency royalties and other payments received in the U.S. Based on the results of these analyses of the Company’s financial instruments, neither a one percentage point adverse change in interest rates from 2011 levels nor a 10% adverse change in foreign currency rates from 2011 levels would materially affect the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or the fair value of its financial instruments.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS

The Company has long-term contractual obligations primarily in the form of lease obligations (related to both Company-operated and franchised restaurants) and debt obligations. In addition, the Company has long-term revenue and cash flow streams that relate to its franchise arrangements. Cash provided by operations (including cash provided by these franchise arrangements) along with the Company’s borrowing capacity and other sources of cash will be used to satisfy the obligations. The following table summarizes the Company’s contractual obligations and their aggregate maturities as well as future minimum rent payments due to the Company under existing franchise arrangements as of December 31, 2011. See discussions of cash flows and financial position and capital resources as well as the Notes to the consolidated financial statements for further details.

 

 

     Contractual cash outflows           Contractual cash inflows  
In millions    Operating
leases
     Debt
obligations (1)
            Minimum rent under
franchise arrangements
 

2012

   $ 1,247       $ 367          $ 2,425   

2013

     1,167         1,026            2,357   

2014

     1,075         738            2,273   

2015

     965         656            2,157   

2016

     852         2,158            2,037   

Thereafter

     6,248         7,499              15,949   

Total

   $ 11,554       $ 12,444            $ 27,198   

 

(1) The maturities reflect reclassifications of short-term obligations to long-term obligations of $1.5 billion, as they are supported by a long-term line of credit agreement expiring in November 2016. Debt obligations do not include $56 million of noncash fair value hedging adjustments or $218 million of accrued interest.

The Company maintains certain supplemental benefit plans that allow participants to (i) make tax-deferred contributions and (ii) receive Company-provided allocations that cannot be made under the qualified benefit plans because of IRS limitations. At December 31, 2011, total liabilities for the supplemental plans were $482 million, and total liabilities for gross unrecognized tax benefits were $565 million.

There are certain purchase commitments that are not recognized in the consolidated financial statements and are primarily related to construction, inventory, energy, marketing and other service related arrangements that occur in the normal course of business. The amounts related to these commitments are not significant to the Company’s financial position. Such commitments are generally shorter term in nature and will be funded from operating cash flows.

Other Matters

 

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses as well as related disclosures. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates and judgments based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under various assumptions or conditions.

The Company reviews its financial reporting and disclosure practices and accounting policies quarterly to ensure that they provide accurate and transparent information relative to the current economic and business environment. The Company believes that of its significant accounting policies, the following involve a higher degree of judgment and/or complexity:

 

 

Property and equipment

Property and equipment are depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives based on management’s estimates of the period over which the assets will generate revenue (not to exceed lease term plus options for leased property). The useful lives are estimated based on historical experience with

 

 

McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011     23


Table of Contents

similar assets, taking into account anticipated technological or other changes. The Company periodically reviews these lives relative to physical factors, economic factors and industry trends. If there are changes in the planned use of property and equipment, or if technological changes occur more rapidly than anticipated, the useful lives assigned to these assets may need to be shortened, resulting in the accelerated recognition of depreciation and amortization expense or write-offs in future periods.

 

 

Share-based compensation

The Company has a share-based compensation plan which authorizes the granting of various equity-based incentives including stock options and restricted stock units (RSUs) to employees and nonemployee directors. The expense for these equity-based incentives is based on their fair value at date of grant and generally amortized over their vesting period.

The fair value of each stock option granted is estimated on the date of grant using a closed-form pricing model. The pricing model requires assumptions, which impact the assumed fair value, including the expected life of the stock option, the risk-free interest rate, expected volatility of the Company’s stock over the expected life and the expected dividend yield. The Company uses historical data to determine these assumptions and if these assumptions change significantly for future grants, share-based compensation expense will fluctuate in future years. The fair value of each RSU granted is equal to the market price of the Company’s stock at date of grant less the present value of expected dividends over the vesting period.

 

 

Long-lived assets impairment review

Long-lived assets (including goodwill) are reviewed for impairment annually in the fourth quarter and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In assessing the recoverability of the Company’s long-lived assets, the Company considers changes in economic conditions and makes assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors. Estimates of future cash flows are highly subjective judgments based on the Company’s experience and knowledge of its operations. These estimates can be significantly impacted by many factors including changes in global and local business and economic conditions, operating costs, inflation, competition, and consumer and demographic trends. A key assumption impacting estimated future cash flows is the estimated change in comparable sales. If the Company’s estimates or underlying assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record impairment charges. Based on the annual goodwill impairment test, conducted in the fourth quarter, the Company does not have any reporting units (defined as each individual country) with goodwill currently at risk of impairment.

 

 

Litigation accruals

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is subject to proceedings, lawsuits and other claims primarily related to competitors, customers, employees, franchisees, government agencies, intellectual property, shareholders and suppliers. The Company is required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters as well as potential ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of accrual required, if any, for these contingencies is made after

careful analysis of each matter. The required accrual may change in the future due to new developments in each matter or changes in approach such as a change in settlement strategy in dealing with these matters. The Company does not believe that any such matter currently being reviewed will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

 

 

Income taxes

The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred assets will not be realized. While the Company has considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax strategies, including the sale of appreciated assets, in assessing the need for the valuation allowance, if these estimates and assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to adjust its valuation allowance. This could result in a charge to, or an increase in, income in the period such determination is made.

The Company operates within multiple taxing jurisdictions and is subject to audit in these jurisdictions. The Company records accruals for the estimated outcomes of these audits, and the accruals may change in the future due to new developments in each matter. In 2010, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) concluded its field examination of the Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns for 2007 and 2008. In connection with this examination, the Company received notices of proposed adjustments from the IRS related to certain foreign tax credits of about $400 million, excluding interest and potential penalties. The Company disagrees with the IRS’ proposed adjustments. The Company has filed a protest with the IRS Appeals Office and expects resolution on this issue in 2012. The Company does not believe that the resolution will have a material impact on its results of operations or cash flows. The Company’s 2009 and 2010 U.S. federal income tax returns are currently under examination and the completion of the examination is expected in 2013.

Deferred U.S. income taxes have not been recorded for temporary differences totaling $12.6 billion related to investments in certain foreign subsidiaries and corporate affiliates. The temporary differences consist primarily of undistributed earnings that are considered permanently invested in operations outside the U.S. If management’s intentions change in the future, deferred taxes may need to be provided.

EFFECTS OF CHANGING PRICES—INFLATION

The Company has demonstrated an ability to manage inflationary cost increases effectively. This ability is because of rapid inventory turnover, the ability to adjust menu prices, cost controls and substantial property holdings, many of which are at fixed costs and partly financed by debt made less expensive by inflation.

RECONCILIATION OF RETURNS ON INCREMENTAL INVESTED CAPITAL

Return on incremental invested capital (ROIIC) is a measure reviewed by management over one-year and three-year time periods to evaluate the overall profitability of the business units, the effectiveness of capital deployed and the future allocation of capital. This measure is calculated using operating income and constant foreign exchange rates to exclude the impact of foreign currency translation. The numerator is the Company’s incremental operating income plus depreciation and amortization from the base period.

 

 

24     McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011


Table of Contents

The denominator is the weighted-average adjusted cash used for investing activities during the applicable one-or three-year period. Adjusted cash used for investing activities is defined as cash used for investing activities less cash generated from investing activities related to the Pret A Manger and Redbox transactions. The weighted-average adjusted cash used for investing activities is based on a weighting applied on a quarterly basis. These weightings are used to reflect the estimated contribution of each quarter’s investing activities to incremental operating income. For example, fourth quarter 2011 investing activities are weighted less because the assets purchased have only recently been deployed and would have generated little incremental operating income (12.5% of fourth quarter 2011 investing activities are included in the one-year and three-year calculations). In contrast, fourth quarter 2010 is heavily weighted because the assets purchased were deployed more than 12 months ago, and therefore have a full year impact on 2011 operating income, with little or no impact to the base period (87.5% and 100.0% of fourth quarter 2010 investing activities are included in the one-year and three-year calculations, respectively). Management believes that weighting cash used for investing activities provides a more accurate reflection of the relationship between its investments and returns than a simple average.

The reconciliations to the most comparable measurements, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., for the numerator and denominator of the one-year and three-year ROIIC are as follows:

One-year ROIIC calculation (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,   2011     2010     Incremental
change
 

NUMERATOR:

     

Operating income

  $ 8,529.7      $ 7,473.1      $ 1,056.6   

Depreciation and amortization

    1,415.0        1,276.2        138.8   

Currency translation (1)

                    (331.4

Incremental operating income plus depreciation and amortization (at constant foreign exchange rates)

   

  $ 864.0   

DENOMINATOR:

     

Weighted-average cash used for investing activities (2)

      $ 2,311.7   

Currency translation (1)

                    (11.3

Weighted-average cash used for investing activities (at constant foreign exchange rates)

   

  $ 2,300.4   

One-year ROIIC (3)

                    37.6

 

(1) Represents the effect of foreign currency translation by translating results at an average exchange rate for the periods measured.

 

(2) Represents one-year weighted-average cash used for investing activities, determined by applying the weightings below to the cash used for investing activities for each quarter in the two-year period ended December 31, 2011.

 

     Years ended December 31,  
       2010        2011  

Cash used for investing activities

   $ 2,056.0         $ 2,570.9   

AS A PERCENT

       

Quarters ended:

       

March 31

     12.5 %          87.5

June 30

     37.5           62.5   

September 30

     62.5           37.5   

December 31

     87.5           12.5   

 

(3) The impact of impairment and other charges (credits), net between 2011 and 2010 positively impacted the one-year ROIIC by 3.4 percentage points.

Three-year ROIIC calculation (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,   2011     2008     Incremental
change
 

NUMERATOR:

     

Operating income

  $ 8,529.7      $ 6,442.9      $ 2,086.8   

Depreciation and amortization

    1,415.0        1,207.8        207.2   

Currency translation (4)

                    0.2   

Incremental operating income plus depreciation and amortization (at constant foreign exchange rates)

   

  $ 2,294.2   

DENOMINATOR:

     

Weighted-average adjusted cash used for investing activities (5)

      $ 6,026.6   

Currency translation (4)

                    38.1   

Weighted-average adjusted cash used for investing activities (at constant foreign exchange rates)

   

  $ 6,064.7   

Three-year ROIIC (6)

                    37.8

 

(4) Represents the effect of foreign currency translation by translating results at an average exchange rate for the periods measured.

 

(5) Represents three-year weighted-average adjusted cash used for investing activities, determined by applying the weightings below to the adjusted cash used for investing activities for each quarter in the four-year period ended December 31, 2011.

 

    Years ended December 31,  
      2008     2009     2010     2011  

Cash used for investing activities

  $ 1,624.7      $ 1,655.3      $ 2,056.0      $ 2,570.9   

Less: Cash generated from investing activities related to

  

Pret A Manger transaction

    (229.4      

Redbox
transaction

            (144.9                

Adjusted cash used for investing activities

  $ 1,854.1      $ 1,800.2      $ 2,056.0      $ 2,570.9   

AS A PERCENT

       

Quarters ended:

       

March 31

    12.5     100.0     100.0     87.5

June 30

    37.5        100.0        100.0        62.5   

September 30

    62.5        100.0        100.0        37.5   

December 31

    87.5        100.0        100.0        12.5   

 

(6) The impact of impairment and other charges (credits), net between 2011 and 2008 positively impacted the three year ROIIC by 1.2 percentage points.
 

 

McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011     25


Table of Contents

RISK FACTORS AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This report includes forward-looking statements about our plans and future performance, including those under Outlook for 2012. These statements use such words as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe” and “plan.” They reflect our expectations and speak only as of the date of this report. We do not undertake to update them. Our expectations (or the underlying assumptions) may change or not be realized, and you should not rely unduly on forward-looking statements. We have identified the principal risks and uncertainties that affect our performance elsewhere in this report, and investors are urged to consider these risks and uncertainties when evaluating our historical and expected performance.

ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

 

Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk are included in Part II, Item 7, page 22 of the Form 10-K.

ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

 

 

Index to consolidated financial statements    Page reference  

Consolidated statement of income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011

     27   

Consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2011 and 2010

     28   

Consolidated statement of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011

     29   

Consolidated statement of shareholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended December  31, 2011

     30   

Notes to consolidated financial statements

     31   

Quarterly results (unaudited)

     43   

Management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting

     44   

Report of independent registered public accounting firm

     45   

Report of independent registered public accounting firm on internal control over financial reporting

     46   

 

 

 

26     McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011


Table of Contents

 

Consolidated Statement of Income

 

 

 

In millions, except per share data   Years ended December 31,  2011      2010      2009  

REVENUES

       

Sales by Company-operated restaurants

  $ 18,292.8       $ 16,233.3       $ 15,458.5   

Revenues from franchised restaurants

    8,713.2         7,841.3         7,286.2   

Total revenues

    27,006.0         24,074.6         22,744.7   

OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES

       

Company-operated restaurant expenses

       

Food & paper

    6,167.2         5,300.1         5,178.0   

Payroll & employee benefits

    4,606.3         4,121.4         3,965.6   

Occupancy & other operating expenses

    4,064.4         3,638.0         3,507.6   

Franchised restaurants-occupancy expenses

    1,481.5         1,377.8         1,301.7   

Selling, general & administrative expenses

    2,393.7         2,333.3         2,234.2   

Impairment and other charges (credits), net

    (3.9      29.1         (61.1

Other operating (income) expense, net

    (232.9      (198.2      (222.3

Total operating costs and expenses

    18,476.3         16,601.5         15,903.7   

Operating income

    8,529.7         7,473.1         6,841.0   

Interest expense-net of capitalized interest of $14.0, $12.0 and $11.7

    492.8         450.9         473.2   

Nonoperating (income) expense, net

    24.7         21.9         (24.3

Gain on sale of investment

                      (94.9

Income before provision for income taxes

    8,012.2         7,000.3         6,487.0   

Provision for income taxes

    2,509.1         2,054.0         1,936.0   

Net income

  $   5,503.1       $ 4,946.3       $ 4,551.0   

Earnings per common share–basic

  $        5.33       $ 4.64       $ 4.17   

Earnings per common share–diluted

  $ 5.27       $ 4.58       $ 4.11   

Dividends declared per common share

  $        2.53       $ 2.26       $ 2.05   

Weighted-average shares outstanding–basic

    1,032.1         1,066.0         1,092.2   

Weighted-average shares outstanding–diluted

    1,044.9         1,080.3         1,107.4   

See Notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011     27


Table of Contents

 

Consolidated Balance Sheet

 

 

 

In millions, except per share data    December 31,  2011        2010  

ASSETS

       

Current assets

       

Cash and equivalents

     $   2,335.7         $ 2,387.0   

Accounts and notes receivable

     1,334.7           1,179.1   

Inventories, at cost, not in excess of market

     116.8           109.9   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     615.8           692.5   

Total current assets

     4,403.0           4,368.5   

Other assets

       

Investments in and advances to affiliates

     1,427.0           1,335.3   

Goodwill

     2,653.2           2,586.1   

Miscellaneous

     1,672.2           1,624.7   

Total other assets

     5,752.4           5,546.1   

Property and equipment

       

Property and equipment, at cost

     35,737.6           34,482.4   

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (12,903.1        (12,421.8

Net property and equipment

     22,834.5           22,060.6   

Total assets

     $ 32,989.9         $ 31,975.2   

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

       

Current liabilities

       

Accounts payable

     $     961.3         $ 943.9   

Income taxes

     262.2           111.3   

Other taxes

     338.1           275.6   

Accrued interest

     218.2           200.7   

Accrued payroll and other liabilities

     1,362.8           1,384.9   

Current maturities of long-term debt

     366.6           8.3   

Total current liabilities

     3,509.2           2,924.7   

Long-term debt

     12,133.8           11,497.0   

Other long-term liabilities

     1,612.6           1,586.9   

Deferred income taxes

     1,344.1           1,332.4   

Shareholders’ equity

       

Preferred stock, no par value; authorized – 165.0 million shares; issued – none

       

Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized – 3.5 billion shares; issued – 1,660.6 million shares

     16.6           16.6   

Additional paid-in capital

     5,487.3           5,196.4   

Retained earnings

     36,707.5           33,811.7   

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     449.7           752.9   

Common stock in treasury, at cost; 639.2 and 607.0 million shares

     (28,270.9        (25,143.4

Total shareholders’ equity

     14,390.2           14,634.2   

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

     $ 32,989.9         $ 31,975.2   

See Notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

28     McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011


Table of Contents

 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

 

 

In millions    Years ended December 31,  2011     2010     2009  

Operating activities

      

Net income

     $  5,503.1      $ 4,946.3      $ 4,551.0   

Adjustments to reconcile to cash provided by operations

      

Charges and credits:

      

Depreciation and amortization

     1,415.0        1,276.2        1,216.2   

Deferred income taxes

     188.4        (75.7     203.0   

Impairment and other charges (credits), net

     (3.9     29.1        (61.1

Gain on sale of investment

         (94.9

Share-based compensation

     86.2        83.1        112.9   

Other

     (78.7     211.6        (347.1

Changes in working capital items:

      

Accounts receivable

     (160.8     (50.1     (42.0

Inventories, prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (52.2     (50.8     1.0   

Accounts payable

     35.8        (39.8     (2.2

Income taxes

     198.5        54.9        212.1   

Other accrued liabilities

     18.7        (43.2     2.1   

Cash provided by operations

     7,150.1        6,341.6        5,751.0   

Investing activities

      

Capital expenditures

     (2,729.8     (2,135.5     (1,952.1

Purchases of restaurant businesses

     (186.4     (183.4     (145.7

Sales of restaurant businesses and property

     511.4        377.9        406.0   

Proceeds on sale of investment

         144.9   

Other

     (166.1     (115.0     (108.4

Cash used for investing activities

     (2,570.9     (2,056.0     (1,655.3

Financing activities

      

Net short-term borrowings

     260.6        3.1        (285.4

Long-term financing issuances

     1,367.3        1,931.8        1,169.3   

Long-term financing repayments

     (624.0     (1,147.5     (664.6

Treasury stock purchases

     (3,363.1     (2,698.5     (2,797.4

Common stock dividends

     (2,609.7     (2,408.1     (2,235.5

Proceeds from stock option exercises

     334.0        463.1        332.1   

Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation

     112.5        128.7        73.6   

Other

     (10.6     (1.3     (13.1

Cash used for financing activities

     (4,533.0     (3,728.7     (4,421.0

Effect of exchange rates on cash and equivalents

     (97.5     34.1        57.9   

Cash and equivalents increase (decrease)

     (51.3     591.0        (267.4

Cash and equivalents at beginning of year

     2,387.0        1,796.0        2,063.4   

Cash and equivalents at end of year

     $  2,335.7      $ 2,387.0      $ 1,796.0   

Supplemental cash flow disclosures

      

Interest paid

     $     489.3      $ 457.9      $ 468.7   

Income taxes paid

     2,056.7        1,708.5        1,683.5   

See Notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011     29


Table of Contents

 

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

 

    Common stock
issued
                   

Accumulated other

comprehensive income (loss)

        Common stock in
treasury
       
    Additional
paid-in
capital
   

Retained
earnings

       

Pensions

   

Cash flow
hedging
adjustment

   

Foreign
currency
translation

          Total
shareholders’
equity
 
In millions, except per share data   Shares     Amount                           Shares     Amount    

Balance at December 31, 2008

    1,660.6      $ 16.6      $ 4,600.2      $ 28,953.9        $ (98.1   $ 48.0      $ 151.4          (545.3   $ (20,289.4   $ 13,382.6   

Net income

                            4,551.0                                                        4,551.0   

Translation adjustments including net investment hedging
(including taxes of $47.2)

                                                        714.1                            714.1   

Adjustments to cash flow hedges
(including tax benefits of $18.6)

                                                (31.5                                 (31.5

Adjustments related to pensions
(including tax benefits of $25.0)

                                        (36.5                                         (36.5

Comprehensive income

                                                                                    5,197.1   

Common stock cash dividends ($2.05 per share)

                            (2,235.5                                                     (2,235.5

Treasury stock purchases

                                                                    (50.3     (2,854.1     (2,854.1

Share-based compensation

                    112.9                                                                112.9   

Stock option exercises and other
(including tax benefits of $93.3)

                    140.8        1.4                                        11.7        288.7        430.9   

Balance at December 31, 2009

    1,660.6        16.6        4,853.9        31,270.8            (134.6     16.5        865.5            (583.9     (22,854.8     14,033.9   

Net income

                            4,946.3                                                        4,946.3   

Translation adjustments including net investment hedging
(including tax benefits of $52.2)

                                                        (3.0                         (3.0

Adjustments to cash flow hedges
(including tax benefits of $1.1)

                                                (1.5                                 (1.5

Adjustments related to pensions
(including taxes of $3.5)

                                        10.0                                            10.0   

Comprehensive income

                                                                                    4,951.8   

Common stock cash dividends ($2.26 per share)

                            (2,408.1                                                     (2,408.1

Treasury stock purchases

                                                                    (37.8     (2,648.5     (2,648.5

Share-based compensation

                    83.1                                                                83.1   

Stock option exercises and other
(including tax benefits of $146.1)

                    259.4        2.7                                        14.7        359.9        622.0   

Balance at December 31, 2010

    1,660.6        16.6        5,196.4        33,811.7            (124.6     15.0        862.5            (607.0     (25,143.4     14,634.2   

Net income

                            5,503.1                                                        5,503.1   

Translation adjustments including net investment hedging
(including tax benefits of $61.0)

                                                        (285.1                         (285.1

Adjustments to cash flow hedges
(including tax benefits of $5.8)

                                                (10.4                                 (10.4

Adjustments related to pensions
(including tax benefits of $2.9)

                                        (7.7                                         (7.7

Comprehensive income

                                                                                    5,199.9   

Common stock cash dividends ($2.53 per share)

                            (2,609.7                                                     (2,609.7

Treasury stock purchases

                                                                    (41.9     (3,372.9     (3,372.9

Share-based compensation

                    86.2                                                                86.2   

Stock option exercises and other
(including tax benefits of $116.7)

                    204.7        2.4                                        9.7        245.4        452.5   

Balance at December 31, 2011

    1,660.6      $ 16.6      $ 5,487.3      $ 36,707.5          $ (132.3   $ 4.6      $ 577.4            (639.2   $ (28,270.9   $ 14,390.2   

See Notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

30     McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

NATURE OF BUSINESS

The Company franchises and operates McDonald’s restaurants in the global restaurant industry. All restaurants are operated either by the Company or by franchisees, including conventional franchisees under franchise arrangements, and foreign affiliates and developmental licensees under license agreements.

The following table presents restaurant information by ownership type:

 

 

 

Restaurants at December 31,    2011      2010      2009  

Conventional franchised

     19,527         19,279         19,020   

Developmental licensed

     3,929         3,485         3,160   

Foreign affiliated

     3,619         3,574         4,036   

Franchised

     27,075         26,338         26,216   

Company-operated

     6,435         6,399         6,262   

Systemwide restaurants

     33,510         32,737         32,478   

CONSOLIDATION

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Investments in affiliates owned 50% or less (primarily McDonald’s Japan) are accounted for by the equity method.

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued amendments to the guidance on variable interest entities and consolidation, codified in the Consolidation Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC). This guidance modifies the method for determining whether an entity is a variable interest entity as well as the methods permitted for determining the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. In addition, this guidance requires ongoing reassessments of whether a company is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity and enhanced disclosures related to a company’s involvement with a variable interest entity. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2010.

On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its business relationships such as those with franchisees, joint venture partners, developmental licensees, suppliers, and advertising cooperatives to identify potential variable interest entities. Generally, these businesses qualify for a scope exception under the variable interest entity consolidation guidance. The Company has concluded that consolidation of any such entity is not appropriate for the periods presented. As a result, the adoption did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

ESTIMATES IN FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

The Company’s revenues consist of sales by Company-operated restaurants and fees from franchised restaurants operated by conventional franchisees, developmental licensees and foreign affiliates.

Sales by Company-operated restaurants are recognized on a cash basis. The Company presents sales net of sales tax and other sales-related taxes. Revenues from conventional franchised restaurants include rent and royalties based on a percent of sales with minimum rent payments, and initial fees. Revenues from restaurants licensed to foreign affiliates and developmental licensees include a royalty based on a percent of sales, and may include initial fees. Continuing rent and royalties are recognized in the period earned. Initial fees are recognized upon opening of a restaurant or granting of a new franchise term, which is when the Company has performed substantially all initial services required by the franchise arrangement.

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION

Generally, the functional currency of operations outside the U.S. is the respective local currency.

ADVERTISING COSTS

Advertising costs included in operating expenses of Company-operated restaurants primarily consist of contributions to advertising cooperatives and were (in millions): 2011–$768.6; 2010–$687.0; 2009–$650.8. Production costs for radio and television advertising are expensed when the commercials are initially aired. These production costs, primarily in the U.S., as well as other marketing-related expenses included in selling, general & administrative expenses were (in millions): 2011–$74.4; 2010–$94.5; 2009–$94.7. In addition, significant advertising costs are incurred by franchisees through contributions to advertising cooperatives in individual markets.

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

Share-based compensation includes the portion vesting of all share-based awards granted based on the grant date fair value.

Share-based compensation expense and the effect on diluted earnings per common share were as follows:

 

 

 

In millions, except per share data    2011      2010      2009  

Share-based compensation expense

   $ 86.2       $ 83.1       $ 112.9   

After tax

   $ 59.2       $ 56.2       $ 76.1   

Earnings per common share-diluted

   $ 0.05       $ 0.05       $ 0.07   

Compensation expense related to share-based awards is generally amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period in selling, general & administrative expenses in the Consolidated statement of income. As of December 31, 2011, there was $84.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years.

The fair value of each stock option granted is estimated on the date of grant using a closed-form pricing model. The following table presents the weighted-average assumptions used in the option pricing model for the 2011, 2010 and 2009 stock option grants. The expected life of the options represents the period of time the options are expected to be outstanding and is based on historical trends. Expected stock price volatility is generally based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock for a period approximating the expected life. The expected dividend yield is based on the Company’s most recent annual dividend payout. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant with a term equal to the expected life.

 

 

McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011     31


Table of Contents

Weighted-average assumptions

 

 

 

       2011     2010     2009  

Expected dividend yield

     3.2     3.5     3.2

Expected stock price volatility

     21.5     22.1     24.4

Risk-free interest rate

     2.8     2.8     2.0

Expected life of options In years

     6.3        6.2        6.2   

Fair value per option granted

   $ 12.18      $ 9.90      $ 9.66   

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment are stated at cost, with depreciation and amortization provided using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: buildings–up to 40 years; leasehold improvements–the lesser of useful lives of assets or lease terms, which generally include option periods; and equipment–three to 12 years.

 

 

 

 

GOODWILL

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the net tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets of acquired restaurant businesses. The Company’s goodwill primarily results from purchases of McDonald’s restaurants from franchisees and ownership increases in subsidiaries or affiliates, and it is generally assigned to the reporting unit expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. If a Company-operated restaurant is sold within 24 months of acquisition, the goodwill associated with the acquisition is written off in its entirety. If a restaurant is sold beyond 24 months from the acquisition, the amount of goodwill written off is based on the relative fair value of the business sold compared to the reporting unit (defined as each individual country).

The Company conducts goodwill impairment testing in the fourth quarter of each year or whenever an indicator of impairment

exists. If an indicator of impairment exists (e.g., estimated earnings multiple value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value), the goodwill impairment test compares the fair value of a reporting unit, generally based on discounted future cash flows, with its carrying amount including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is measured as the difference between the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill and the carrying amount of goodwill. Historically, goodwill impairment has not significantly impacted the consolidated financial statements.

The following table presents the 2011 activity in goodwill by segment:

 

 

 

 

In millions    U.S.        Europe        APMEA (1)        Other Countries
& Corporate (2)
       Consolidated  

Balance at December 31, 2010

   $ 1,212.0         $ 785.5         $ 385.0         $ 203.6         $ 2,586.1   

Net restaurant purchases (sales)

     37.3           37.1           29.8           (4.6        99.6   

Ownership changes and other

     5.1                (7.7        (3.0        (5.6

Currency translation

                (21.0        (1.7        (4.2        (26.9

Balance at December 31, 2011

   $ 1,254.4         $ 801.6         $ 405.4         $ 191.8         $ 2,653.2   

 

(1) APMEA represents Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa.

 

(2) Other Countries & Corporate represents Canada, Latin America and Corporate.

 

 

 

 

LONG-LIVED ASSETS

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment annually in the fourth quarter and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. For purposes of annually reviewing McDonald’s restaurant assets for potential impairment, assets are initially grouped together at a television market level in the U.S. and at a country level for each of the international markets. The Company manages its restaurants as a group or portfolio with significant common costs and promotional activities; as such, an individual restaurant’s cash flows are not generally independent of the cash flows of others in a market. If an indicator of impairment (e.g., negative operating cash flows for the most recent trailing 24-month period) exists for any grouping of assets, an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows produced by each individual restaurant within the asset grouping is compared to its carrying value. If an individual restaurant is determined to be impaired, the loss is measured by the excess of the carrying amount of the restaurant over its fair value as determined by an estimate of discounted future cash flows.

Losses on assets held for disposal are recognized when management and the Board of Directors, as required, have approved and committed to a plan to dispose of the assets, the assets are available for disposal, the disposal is probable of occurring within 12 months, and the net sales proceeds are expected to be less than its net book value, among other factors.

Generally, such losses relate to restaurants that have closed and ceased operations as well as other assets that meet the criteria to be considered “available for sale”.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The Company measures certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis, and certain non-financial assets and liabilities on a nonrecurring basis. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Fair value disclosures are reflected in a three-level hierarchy, maximizing the use of observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs.

The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability on the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:

 

 

Level 1 – inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for an identical asset or liability in an active market.

 

 

Level 2 – inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for a similar asset or liability in an active market or model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

 

 

32     McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011


Table of Contents
 

Level 3 – inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability.

Certain of the Company’s derivatives are valued using various pricing models or discounted cash flow analyses that incorporate observable market parameters, such as interest rate yield curves, option volatilities and currency rates, classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy. Derivative valuations incorporate credit risk adjustments that are necessary to reflect the probability of default by the counterparty or the Company.

 

 

Certain Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

The following tables present financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by the valuation hierarchy as defined in the fair value guidance:

 

December 31, 2011                                
In millions    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3    Carrying
Value
 

Cash equivalents

   $ 581.7           $ 581.7   

Investments

     132.4          132.4   

Derivative assets

     154.5   $ 71.1             225.6   

Total assets at fair value

   $ 868.6      $ 71.1           $ 939.7   

Derivative payables

           $ (15.6        $ (15.6

Total liabilities at fair value

           $ (15.6        $ (15.6

 

December 31, 2010                                
In millions    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3    Carrying
Value
 

Cash equivalents

   $ 722.5           $ 722.5   

Investments

     131.6          131.6   

Derivative assets

     104.4   $ 88.5             192.9   

Total assets at fair value

   $ 958.5      $ 88.5           $ 1,047.0   

Derivative payables

           $ (8.4        $ (8.4

Total liabilities at fair value

           $ (8.4        $ (8.4

 

* Includes investments and derivatives that hedge market driven changes in liabilities associated with the Company’s supplemental benefit plans.

 

 

Non-Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, the assets and liabilities are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis, but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (e.g., when there is evidence of impairment). For the year ended December 31, 2011, no material fair value adjustments or fair value measurements were required for non-financial assets or liabilities.

 

 

Certain Financial Assets and Liabilities not Measured at Fair Value

At December 31, 2011, the fair value of the Company’s debt obligations was estimated at $14.2 billion, compared to a carrying amount of $12.5 billion. This fair value was estimated using

pricing models and discounted cash flow analyses that incorporated quoted market prices, Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy. The carrying amount for both cash equivalents and notes receivable approximate fair value.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

The Company is exposed to global market risks, including the effect of changes in interest rates and foreign currency fluctuations. The Company uses foreign currency denominated debt and derivative instruments to mitigate the impact of these changes. The Company does not use derivatives with a level of complexity or with a risk higher than the exposures to be hedged and does not hold or issue derivatives for trading purposes.

The Company documents its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking hedging transactions, as well as all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items. The Company’s derivatives that are designated as hedging instruments consist mainly of interest rate swaps, foreign currency forwards and foreign currency options. Interest rate swaps are entered into to manage the interest rate risk associated with the Company’s fixed and floating-rate borrowings. Foreign currency forwards and foreign currency options are entered into to mitigate the risk that forecasted foreign currency cash flows (such as royalties denominated in foreign currencies) will be adversely affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Certain foreign currency denominated debt is used, in part, to protect the value of the Company’s investments in certain foreign subsidiaries and affiliates from changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

The Company also enters into certain derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments. The Company has entered into equity derivative contracts to hedge market-driven changes in certain of its supplemental benefit plan liabilities. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recorded in selling, general & administrative expenses together with the changes in the supplemental benefit plan liabilities. In addition, the Company uses foreign currency forwards to mitigate the change in fair value of certain foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities. Since these derivatives are not designated for hedge accounting, the changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recognized immediately in nonoperating (income) expense together with the currency gain or loss from the hedged balance sheet position. A portion of the Company’s foreign currency options (more fully described in the Cash Flow Hedging Strategy section) are undesignated as hedging instruments as the underlying foreign currency royalties are earned.

All derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments are classified as fair value, cash flow or net investment hedges. All derivatives (including those not designated for hedge accounting) are recognized on the Consolidated balance sheet at fair value and classified based on the instruments’ maturity date. Changes in the fair value measurements of the derivative instruments are reflected as adjustments to other comprehensive income (OCI) and/or current earnings.

 

 

McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011     33


Table of Contents

The following table presents the fair values of derivative instruments included on the Consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2011 and 2010:

 

 

       Derivative Assets      Derivative Liabilities  
In millions    Balance Sheet Classification    2011      2010      Balance Sheet Classification    2011     2010  

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

  

          

Foreign currency

   Prepaid expenses and other current assets    $ 6.7       $ 7.5       Accrued payroll and other liabilities    $ (0.3   $ (4.6

Interest rate

   Prepaid expenses and other current assets      9.4         0.5           

Foreign currency

   Miscellaneous other assets      0.7          Other long-term liabilities      (0.3  

Interest rate

   Miscellaneous other assets      46.0         72.1       Other long-term liabilities      (14.0     (0.3

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments

   $ 62.8       $ 80.1            $ (14.6   $ (4.9

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

  

          

Foreign currency

   Prepaid expenses and other current assets    $ 8.3       $ 6.0       Accrued payroll and other liabilities    $ (1.0   $ (3.8

Equity

   Prepaid expenses and other current assets         104.4           

Foreign currency

   Miscellaneous other assets         2.7           

Equity

   Miscellaneous other assets      154.5                                  

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

   $ 162.8       $ 113.1            $ (1.0   $ (3.8

Total derivatives

   $ 225.6       $ 193.2            $ (15.6   $ (8.7

The following table presents the pretax amounts affecting income and OCI for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively:

 

 

In millions                                                  

Derivatives in

Fair Value

Hedging

Relationships

      

Gain (Loss)

Recognized in Income

on Derivative

     

Hedged Items in

Fair Value

Hedging

Relationships

      

Gain (Loss)

Recognized in Income on

Related Hedged Items

       2011   2010              2011   2010

Interest rate

     $(11.1)   $7.0     Fixed-rate debt      $11.1   $(7.0)

 

Derivatives in

Cash flow

Hedging

Relationships

      Gain (Loss) Recognized in
Accumulated OCI on Derivative
(Effective Portion)
     

Gain (Loss)

Reclassified from Accumulated

OCI into Income

(Effective Portion)

     

Gain (Loss)

Recognized in Income on

Derivative (Amount Excluded

from Effectiveness Testing and
Ineffective Portion)

 
      2011   2010       2011     2010       2011   2010  

Foreign currency

    $  (5.1)   $11.2     $ 5.1      $13.4     $(7.7)   $ (25.1

Interest rate (1)

      (14.0)             (2.2   0.9             0.3   

Total

      $(19.1)   $11.2       $ 2.9      $14.3       $(7.7)   $ (24.8

 

Net Investment

Hedging Relationships

     

Gain (Loss)

Recognized in Accumulated

OCI on Derivative

(Effective portion)

     

Gain (Loss)

Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI

into Income

(Effective Portion)

     

Derivatives Not

Designated as
Hedging Instruments

     

Gain (Loss)

Recognized in Income on
Derivative

      2011   2010       2011   2010             2011     2010
                Foreign currency     $ (2.2   $16.4

Foreign currency denominated debt

    $(130.8)   $(144.3)           Equity (3)       36.9      18.8

Foreign currency derivatives (2)

      (9.4)   (4.3)       $(8.2)           Interest Rate         1.5       

Total

      $(140.2)   $(148.6)       $(8.2)           Total       $ 36.2      $35.2

Gains (losses) recognized in income on derivatives are recorded in “Nonoperating (income) expense, net” unless otherwise noted.

 

(1) The amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income is recorded in Interest expense.

 

(2) The amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income is recorded in Impairment and other charges (credits), net.

 

(3) The amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on the derivatives used to hedge the supplemental benefit plan liabilities is recorded in Selling, general & administrative expenses.

 

34     McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011


Table of Contents
 

Fair Value Hedges

The Company enters into fair value hedges to reduce the exposure to changes in the fair values of certain liabilities. The fair value hedges the Company enters into consist of interest rate swaps which convert a portion of its fixed-rate debt into floating-rate debt. All of the Company’s interest rate swaps meet the shortcut method requirements. Accordingly, changes in the fair values of the interest rate swaps are exactly offset by changes in the fair value of the underlying debt. No ineffectiveness has been recorded to net income related to interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges for the year ended December 31, 2011. A total of $2.0 billion of the Company’s outstanding fixed-rate debt was effectively converted to floating-rate debt resulting from the use of interest rate swaps.

 

 

Cash Flow Hedges

The Company enters into cash flow hedges to reduce the exposure to variability in certain expected future cash flows. The types of cash flow hedges the Company enters into include interest rate swaps, foreign currency forwards and foreign currency options.

The Company periodically uses interest rate swaps to effectively convert a portion of floating-rate debt, including forecasted debt issuances, into fixed-rate debt and the agreements are intended to reduce the impact of interest rate changes on future interest expense. At December 31, 2011, $250.0 million of the Company’s anticipated debt issuances were effectively converted to fixed-rate resulting from the use of interest rate swaps.

To protect against the reduction in value of forecasted foreign currency cash flows (such as royalties denominated in foreign currencies), the Company uses foreign currency forwards and foreign currency options to hedge a portion of anticipated exposures.

When the U.S. dollar strengthens against foreign currencies, the decline in value of future foreign denominated royalties is offset by gains in the fair value of the foreign currency forwards and/or foreign currency options. Conversely, when the U.S. dollar weakens, the increase in the value of future foreign denominated royalties is offset by losses in the fair value of the foreign currency forwards and/or foreign currency options.

Although the fair value changes in the foreign currency options may fluctuate over the period of the contract, the Company’s total loss on a foreign currency option is limited to the upfront premium paid for the contract. However, the potential gains on a foreign currency option are unlimited as the settlement value of the contract is based upon the difference between the exchange rate at inception of the contract and the spot exchange rate at maturity. In limited situations, the Company uses foreign currency collars, which limit the potential gains and lower the upfront premium paid, to protect against currency movements.

The hedges cover the next 15 months for certain exposures and are denominated in various currencies. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had derivatives outstanding with an equivalent notional amount of $228.0 million that were used to hedge a portion of forecasted foreign currency denominated royalties.

The Company excludes the time value of foreign currency options, as well as the forward points on foreign currency forwards, from its effectiveness assessment on its cash flow

hedges. As a result, changes in the fair value of the derivatives due to these components, as well as the ineffectiveness of the hedges, are recognized in earnings currently. The effective portion of the gains or losses on the derivatives is reported in the cash flow hedging component of OCI in shareholders’ equity and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods in which the hedged transaction affects earnings.

The Company recorded after tax adjustments to the cash flow hedging component of accumulated OCI in shareholders’ equity. The Company recorded a net decrease of $10.4 million and $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Based on interest rates and foreign exchange rates at December 31, 2011, the $4.6 million in cumulative cash flow hedging gains, after tax, at December 31, 2011, is not expected to have a significant effect on earnings over the next 12 months.

 

 

Net Investment Hedges

The Company primarily uses foreign currency denominated debt (third party and intercompany) to hedge its investments in certain foreign subsidiaries and affiliates. Realized and unrealized translation adjustments from these hedges are included in shareholders’ equity in the foreign currency translation component of OCI and offset translation adjustments on the underlying net assets of foreign subsidiaries and affiliates, which also are recorded in OCI. As of December 31, 2011, a total of $4.3 billion of the Company’s foreign currency denominated debt was designated to hedge investments in certain foreign subsidiaries and affiliates.

 

 

Credit Risk

The Company is exposed to credit-related losses in the event of non-performance by the counterparties to its hedging instruments. The counterparties to these agreements consist of a diverse group of financial institutions. The Company continually monitors its positions and the credit ratings of its counterparties and adjusts positions as appropriate. The Company did not have significant exposure to any individual counterparty at December 31, 2011 and has master agreements that contain netting arrangements. Some of these agreements also require each party to post collateral if credit ratings fall below, or aggregate exposures exceed, certain contractual limits. At December 31, 2011, neither the Company nor its counterparties were required to post collateral on any derivative position, other than on hedges of certain of the Company’s supplemental benefit plan liabilities where its counterparties were required to post collateral on their liability positions.

INCOME TAX UNCERTAINTIES

The Company, like other multi-national companies, is regularly audited by federal, state and foreign tax authorities, and tax assessments may arise several years after tax returns have been filed. Accordingly, tax liabilities are recorded when, in management’s judgment, a tax position does not meet the more likely than not threshold for recognition. For tax positions that meet the more likely than not threshold, a tax liability may be recorded depending on management’s assessment of how the tax position will ultimately be settled.

The Company records interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes.

 

 

McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011     35


Table of Contents

PER COMMON SHARE INFORMATION

Diluted earnings per common share is calculated using net income divided by diluted weighted-average shares. Diluted weighted-average shares include weighted-average shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of share-based compensation calculated using the treasury stock method, of (in millions of shares): 2011–12.8; 2010–14.3; 2009–15.2. Stock options that were not included in diluted weighted-average shares because they would have been antidilutive were (in millions of shares): 2011–0.0; 2010–0.0; 2009–0.7.

The Company has elected to exclude the pro forma deferred tax asset associated with share-based compensation in earnings per share.

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

The Company considers short-term, highly liquid investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Company evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued and filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). There were no subsequent events that required recognition or disclosure except for the debt issuances in February 2012 (see Debt financing note).

Property and Equipment

 

 

Net property and equipment consisted of:

 

 

In millions   December 31,  2011      2010  

Land

    $   5,328.3       $ 5,200.5   

Buildings and improvements on owned land

    13,079.9         12,399.4   

Buildings and improvements on leased land

    12,021.8         11,732.0   

Equipment, signs and seating

    4,757.2         4,608.5   

Other

    550.4         542.0   
    35,737.6         34,482.4   

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

    (12,903.1      (12,421.8

Net property and equipment

    $ 22,834.5       $ 22,060.6   

Depreciation and amortization expense was (in millions): 2011–$1,329.6; 2010–$1,200.4; 2009–$1,160.8.

Impairment and Other Charges (Credits), Net

 

 

 

 

In millions, except per share data    2011     2010     2009  

Europe

   $ 0.3      $ 1.6      $ 4.3   

APMEA

     (4.2     48.5        (0.2

Other Countries & Corporate

             (21.0     (65.2

Total

   $ (3.9   $ 29.1      $ (61.1

After tax (1)

   $ 17.1      $ 24.6      $ (91.4

Earnings per common share-diluted

   $ 0.01      $ 0.02      $ (0.08

 

(1) Certain items were not tax effected.

In 2010, the Company recorded after tax charges of $39.3 million related to its share of restaurant closing costs in McDonald’s Japan (a 50%-owned affiliate) in conjunction with the strategic

review of the market’s restaurant portfolio. These actions were designed to enhance the brand image, overall profitability and returns of the market. The Company also recorded pretax income of $21.0 million related to the resolution of certain liabilities retained in connection with the 2007 Latin America developmental license transaction.

In 2009, the Company recorded pretax income of $65.2 million related primarily to the resolution of certain liabilities retained in connection with the 2007 Latin America developmental license transaction. The Company also recognized a tax benefit in 2009 in connection with this income, mainly related to the release of a tax valuation allowance.

Other Operating (Income) Expense, Net

 

 

 

 

In millions    2011     2010     2009  

Gains on sales of restaurant businesses

   $ (81.8   $ (79.4   $ (113.3

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates

     (178.0     (164.3     (167.8

Asset dispositions and other expense

     26.9        45.5        58.8   

Total

   $ (232.9   $ (198.2   $ (222.3

 

 

Gains on sales of restaurant businesses

Gains on sales of restaurant businesses include gains from sales of Company-operated restaurants as well as gains from exercises of purchase options by franchisees with business facilities lease arrangements (arrangements where the Company leases the businesses, including equipment, to franchisees who generally have options to purchase the businesses). The Company’s purchases and sales of businesses with its franchisees are aimed at achieving an optimal ownership mix in each market. Resulting gains or losses are recorded in operating income because the transactions are a recurring part of our business.

 

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates

Unconsolidated affiliates and partnerships are businesses in which the Company actively participates but does not control. The Company records equity in earnings from these entities representing McDonald’s share of results. For foreign affiliated markets—primarily Japan—results are reported after interest expense and income taxes. McDonald’s share of results for partnerships in certain consolidated markets such as the U.S. are reported before income taxes. These partnership restaurants are operated under conventional franchise arrangements and, therefore, are classified as conventional franchised restaurants.

 

 

Asset dispositions and other expense

Asset dispositions and other expense consists of gains or losses on excess property and other asset dispositions, provisions for restaurant closings and uncollectible receivables, asset write-offs due to restaurant reinvestment, and other miscellaneous income and expenses.

Gain on Sale of Investment

 

 

In 2009, the Company sold its minority ownership interest in Redbox Automated Retail, LLC to Coinstar, Inc., the majority

 

 

36     McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011


Table of Contents

owner, for total consideration of $144.9 million. As a result of the transaction, the Company recognized a nonoperating pretax gain of $94.9 million (after tax–$58.8 million or $0.05 per share).

Contingencies

 

 

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is subject to proceedings, lawsuits and other claims primarily related to competitors, customers, employees, franchisees, government agencies, intellectual property, shareholders and suppliers. The Company is required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters as well as potential ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of accrual required, if any, for these contingencies is made after careful analysis of each matter. The required accrual may change in the future due to new developments in each matter or changes in approach such as a change in settlement strategy in dealing with these matters.

In connection with the sale in 2007 of its businesses in 18 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to a developmental licensee organization, the Company agreed to indemnify the buyers for certain tax and other claims, certain of which are reflected on McDonald’s Consolidated balance sheet (2011 and 2010: other long-term liabilities–$49.4 million and $49.6 million, respectively; 2011 and 2010: accrued payroll and other liabilities–$21.2 million and $28.4 million, respectively).

The Company believes any other matters currently being reviewed will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

Franchise Arrangements

 

 

Conventional franchise arrangements generally include a lease and a license and provide for payment of initial fees, as well as continuing rent and royalties to the Company based upon a percent of sales with minimum rent payments that parallel the Company’s underlying leases and escalations (on properties that are leased). Under this arrangement, franchisees are granted the right to operate a restaurant using the McDonald’s System and, in most cases, the use of a restaurant facility, generally for a period of 20 years. These franchisees pay related occupancy costs including property taxes, insurance and maintenance. Affiliates and developmental licensees operating under license agreements pay a royalty to the Company based upon a percent of sales, and may pay initial fees.

The results of operations of restaurant businesses purchased and sold in transactions with franchisees were not material either individually or in the aggregate to the consolidated financial statements for periods prior to purchase and sale.

Revenues from franchised restaurants consisted of:

 

 

In millions    2011      2010      2009  

Rents

   $ 5,718.5       $ 5,198.4       $ 4,841.0   

Royalties

     2,929.8         2,579.2         2,379.8   

Initial fees

     64.9         63.7         65.4   

Revenues from franchised restaurants

   $ 8,713.2       $ 7,841.3       $ 7,286.2   

Future minimum rent payments due to the Company under existing franchise arrangements are:

 

 

In millions    Owned sites      Leased sites      Total  

2012

   $ 1,277.9       $ 1,147.2       $ 2,425.1   

2013

     1,245.7         1,111.2         2,356.9   

2014

     1,207.2         1,065.3         2,272.5   

2015

     1,150.9         1,005.9         2,156.8   

2016

     1,090.5         946.4         2,036.9   

Thereafter

     8,914.2         7,035.1         15,949.3   

Total minimum payments

   $ 14,886.4       $ 12,311.1       $ 27,197.5   

At December 31, 2011, net property and equipment under franchise arrangements totaled $13.8 billion (including land of $4.0 billion) after deducting accumulated depreciation and amortization of $7.1 billion.

Leasing Arrangements

 

 

At December 31, 2011, the Company was the lessee at 14,139 restaurant locations through ground leases (the Company leases the land and the Company or franchisee owns the building) and through improved leases (the Company leases land and buildings). Lease terms for most restaurants, where market conditions allow, are generally for 20 years and, in many cases, provide for rent escalations and renewal options, with certain leases providing purchase options. Escalation terms vary by geographic segment with examples including fixed-rent escalations, escalations based on an inflation index, and fair-value market adjustments. The timing of these escalations generally ranges from annually to every five years. For most locations, the Company is obligated for the related occupancy costs including property taxes, insurance and maintenance; however, for franchised sites, the Company requires the franchisees to pay these costs. In addition, the Company is the lessee under noncancelable leases covering certain offices and vehicles.

Future minimum payments required under existing operating leases with initial terms of one year or more are:

 

 

 

In millions    Restaurant      Other      Total  

2012

   $ 1,172.6       $ 74.4       $ 1,247.0   

2013

     1,104.8         62.8         1,167.6   

2014

     1,019.5         55.4         1,074.9   

2015

     921.9         43.1         965.0   

2016

     813.9         37.9         851.8   

Thereafter

     6,039.1         208.8         6,247.9   

Total minimum payments

   $ 11,071.8       $ 482.4       $ 11,554.2   
 

 

McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011     37


Table of Contents

The following table provides detail of rent expense:

 

 

 

In millions    2011      2010      2009  

Company-operated restaurants:

        

U.S.

   $ 55.9       $ 60.4       $ 65.2   

Outside the U.S.

     620.4         545.0         506.9   

Total

     676.3         605.4         572.1   

Franchised restaurants:

        

U.S.

     420.0         409.7         393.9   

Outside the U.S.

     514.7         463.5         431.4   

Total

     934.7         873.2         825.3   

Other

     101.7         98.1         98.9   

Total rent expense

   $ 1,712.7       $ 1,576.7       $ 1,496.3   

Rent expense included percent rents in excess of minimum rents (in millions) as follows–Company-operated restaurants: 2011–$165.2; 2010–$142.5; 2009–$129.6. Franchised restaurants: 2011–$173.4; 2010–$167.3; 2009–$154.7.

Income Taxes

 

 

Income before provision for income taxes, classified by source of income, was as follows:

 

 

 

In millions    2011      2010      2009  

U.S.

   $ 3,202.8       $ 2,763.0       $ 2,700.4   

Outside the U.S.

     4,809.4         4,237.3         3,786.6   

Income before provision for income taxes

   $ 8,012.2       $ 7,000.3       $ 6,487.0   

The provision for income taxes, classified by the timing and location of payment, was as follows:

 

 

 

In millions    2011     2010     2009  

U.S. federal

   $ 1,173.4      $ 1,127.1      $ 792.0   

U.S. state

     165.2        161.1        152.1   

Outside the U.S.

     982.1        841.5        788.9   

Current tax provision

     2,320.7        2,129.7        1,733.0   

U.S. federal

     189.0        (66.8     186.9   

U.S. state

     8.6        13.8        8.6   

Outside the U.S.

     (9.2     (22.7     7.5   

Deferred tax provision (benefit)

     188.4        (75.7     203.0   

Provision for income taxes

   $ 2,509.1      $ 2,054.0      $ 1,936.0   

Net deferred tax liabilities consisted of:

 

 

 

In millions   December 31,  2011     2010  

Property and equipment

    $ 1,651.3      $ 1,655.2   

Other

    541.7        489.8   

Total deferred tax liabilities

    2,193.0        2,145.0   

Property and equipment

    (355.4     (352.4

Employee benefit plans

    (406.3     (356.4

Intangible assets

    (256.2     (268.6

Deferred foreign tax credits

    (173.9     (310.7

Capital loss carryforwards

    (26.0     (37.5

Operating loss carryforwards

    (71.1     (56.8

Indemnification liabilities

    (33.4     (36.5

Other

    (312.6     (284.0

Total deferred tax assets before valuation allowance

    (1,634.9     (1,702.9

Valuation Allowance

    102.0        104.7   

Net deferred tax liabilities

    660.1        546.8   

Balance sheet presentation:

   

Deferred income taxes

    1,344.1        1,332.4   

Other assets-miscellaneous

    (606.3     (590.4

Current assets-prepaid expenses and other current assets

    (77.7     (195.2

Net deferred tax liabilities

    $    660.1      $ 546.8   

The statutory U.S. federal income tax rate reconciles to the effective income tax rates as follows:

 

 

 

       2011     2010     2009  

Statutory U.S. federal income tax rate

     35.0     35.0     35.0

State income taxes, net of related federal income tax benefit

     1.4        1.6        1.6   

Benefits and taxes related to foreign operations

     (4.7     (6.9     (6.3

Other, net

     (0.4     (0.4     (0.5

Effective income tax rates

     31.3     29.3     29.8

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company’s gross unrecognized tax benefits totaled $565.0 million and $572.6 million, respectively. After considering the deferred tax accounting impact, it is expected that about $420 million of the total as of December 31, 2011 would favorably affect the effective tax rate if resolved in the Company’s favor.

 

 

38     McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011


Table of Contents

The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits:

 

 

 

In millions    2011     2010  

Balance at January 1

   $ 572.6      $ 492.0   

Decreases for positions taken in prior years

     (50.6     (27.1

Increases for positions taken in prior years

     24.3        53.3   

Increases for positions related to the current year

     54.8        102.0   

Settlements with taxing authorities

     (14.4     (17.4

Lapsing of statutes of limitations

     (21.7     (30.2

Balance at December 31 (1)

   $ 565.0      $ 572.6   

 

(1) Of this amount, $564.3 and $535.9 are included in long-term liabilities on the Consolidated balance sheet for 2011 and 2010, respectively. The remainder is included in deferred income taxes and income taxes payable on the Consolidated balance sheet.

In 2010, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) concluded its field examination of the Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns for 2007 and 2008. In connection with this examination, the Company received notices of proposed adjustments from the IRS related to certain foreign tax credits of about $400 million, excluding interest and potential penalties. The Company disagrees with the IRS’ proposed adjustments. The Company has filed a protest with the IRS Appeals Office and expects resolution on this issue in 2012. The Company believes that the liabilities recorded related to this matter are appropriate and adequate and have been determined in accordance with ASC 740 – Income Taxes.

The Company is also under audit in multiple state tax jurisdictions where it is reasonably possible that the audits could be completed within 12 months. Due to the expected resolution of the 2007 and 2008 IRS Appeals process, the possible completion of the aforementioned audits and the expiration of the statute of limitations in multiple tax jurisdictions, it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits could decrease

within the next 12 months by $130 million to $140 million, of which $30 million to $40 million could favorably affect the effective tax rate.

In addition, the Company is currently under audit in multiple tax jurisdictions where completion of the tax audits is not expected within 12 months. However, it is reasonably possible that, as a result of audit progression within the next 12 months, there may be new information that causes the Company to reassess the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits recorded. While the Company cannot estimate the impact that new information may have on our unrecognized tax benefit balance, we believe that the liabilities that are recorded are appropriate and adequate as determined under ASC 740.

The Company is generally no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2005.

The Company had $39.6 million and $44.4 million accrued for interest and penalties at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company recognized interest and penalties related to tax matters of $4.8 million in 2011, $29.0 million in 2010, and $1.5 million in 2009, which are included in the provision for income taxes.

Deferred U.S. income taxes have not been recorded for temporary differences related to investments in certain foreign subsidiaries and corporate joint ventures. These temporary differences were approximately $12.6 billion at December 31, 2011 and consisted primarily of undistributed earnings considered permanently invested in operations outside the U.S. Determination of the deferred income tax liability on these unremitted earnings is not practicable because such liability, if any, is dependent on circumstances existing if and when remittance occurs.

 

 

McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011     39


Table of Contents

Segment and Geographic Information

 

 

The Company operates in the global restaurant industry and manages its business as distinct geographic segments. All intercompany revenues and expenses are eliminated in computing revenues and operating income. Corporate general & administrative expenses are included in Other Countries & Corporate and consist of home office support costs in areas such as facilities, finance, human resources, information technology, legal, marketing, restaurant operations, supply chain and training. Corporate assets include corporate cash and equivalents, asset portions of financial instruments and home office facilities.

 

 

 

In millions   2011     2010     2009  

U.S.

  $ 8,528.2      $ 8,111.6      $ 7,943.8   

Europe

    10,886.4        9,569.2        9,273.8   

APMEA

    6,019.5        5,065.5        4,337.0   

Other Countries & Corporate

    1,571.9        1,328.3        1,190.1   

Total revenues

  $ 27,006.0      $ 24,074.6      $ 22,744.7   

U.S.

  $ 3,666.2      $ 3,446.5      $ 3,231.7   

Europe

    3,226.7        2,796.8        2,588.1   

APMEA

    1,525.8        1,199.9 (1)       989.5   

Other Countries & Corporate

    111.0        29.9 (2)       31.7 (3)  

Total operating income

  $ 8,529.7      $ 7,473.1      $ 6,841.0   

U.S.

  $ 10,865.5      $ 10,467.7      $ 10,429.3   

Europe

    12,015.1        11,360.7        11,494.4   

APMEA

    5,824.2        5,374.0        4,409.0   

Other Countries & Corporate

    4,285.1        4,772.8        3,892.2   

Total assets

  $ 32,989.9      $ 31,975.2      $ 30,224.9   

U.S.

  $ 786.5      $ 530.5      $ 659.4   

Europe

    1,130.1        978.5        859.3   

APMEA

    614.1        493.1        354.6   

Other Countries & Corporate

    199.1        133.4        78.8   

Total capital expenditures

  $ 2,729.8      $ 2,135.5      $ 1,952.1   

U.S.

  $ 446.0      $ 433.0      $ 423.8   

Europe

    570.3        500.5        483.2   

APMEA

    267.5        232.4        202.9   

Other Countries & Corporate

    131.2        110.3        106.3   

Total depreciation and amortization

  $ 1,415.0      $ 1,276.2      $ 1,216.2   

 

(1) Includes expense due to Impairment and other charges (credits), net of $39.3 million related to the Company’s share of restaurant closings in McDonald’s Japan (a 50%-owned affiliate).

 

(2) Includes income due to Impairment and other charges (credits), net of $21.0 million related to the resolution of certain liabilities retained in connection with the 2007 Latin America developmental license transaction.

 

(3) Includes income due to Impairment and other charges (credits), net of $65.2 million primarily related to the resolution of certain liabilities retained in connection with the 2007 Latin America developmental license transaction.

Total long-lived assets, primarily property and equipment, were (in millions)–Consolidated: 2011–$27,587.6; 2010– $26,700.9; 2009–$25,896.1; U.S. based: 2011–$10,724.9; 2010–$10,430.2; 2009–$10,376.4.

Debt Financing

 

 

LINE OF CREDIT AGREEMENTS

At December 31, 2011, the Company had a $1.5 billion line of credit agreement expiring in November 2016 with fees of 0.065% per annum on the total commitment, which remained unused. Fees and interest rates on this line are based on the Company’s long-term credit rating assigned by Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s. In addition, the Company, including certain subsidiaries outside the U.S., had unused lines of credit totaling $838.9 million at December 31, 2011; these lines of credit were primarily uncommitted, short-term and denominated in various currencies at local market rates of interest.

The weighted-average interest rate of short-term borrowings was 4.6% at December 31, 2011 (based on $640.3 million of foreign currency bank line borrowings and $250.0 million of commercial paper) and 4.3% at December 31, 2010 (based on $595.0 million of foreign currency bank line borrowings).

DEBT OBLIGATIONS

The Company has incurred debt obligations principally through public and private offerings and bank loans. There are no provisions in the Company’s debt obligations that would accelerate repayment of debt as a result of a change in credit ratings or a material adverse change in the Company’s business. Certain of the Company’s debt obligations contain cross-acceleration provisions, and restrictions on Company and subsidiary mortgages and the long-term debt of certain subsidiaries. Under certain agreements, the Company has the option to retire debt prior to maturity, either at par or at a premium over par. The Company has no current plans to retire a significant amount of its debt prior to maturity.

In February 2012, the Company issued $250.0 million of 10-year U.S. Dollar-denominated notes at a coupon rate of 2.625%, and $500.0 million of 30-year U.S. Dollar-denominated notes at a coupon rate of 3.7%.

ESOP LOANS

Borrowings related to the leveraged Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) at December 31, 2011, which include $39.6 million of loans from the Company to the ESOP, are reflected as debt with a corresponding reduction of shareholders’ equity (additional paid-in capital included a balance of $34.4 million and $41.7 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively). The ESOP is repaying the loans and interest through 2018 using Company contributions and dividends from its McDonald’s common stock holdings. As the principal amount of the borrowings is repaid, the debt and the unearned ESOP compensation (additional paid-in capital) are reduced.

 

 

40     McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011


Table of Contents

The following table summarizes the Company’s debt obligations. (Interest rates and debt amounts reflected in the table include the effects of interest rate swaps.)

 

 

 

            Interest rates (1)
December  31
           Amounts outstanding
December 31
 
In millions of U.S. Dollars    Maturity dates      2011     2010              2011        2010  

Fixed

        5.1     5.4        $ 6,039.3         $ 5,318.0   

Floating

              2.0        3.0               1,399.9           1,390.0   

Total U.S. Dollars

     2012-2040                                7,439.2           6,708.0   

Fixed

        4.5        4.8             1,167.0           737.5   

Floating

              2.8        2.2               719.0           753.4   

Total Euro

     2012-2021                                1,886.0           1,490.9   

Fixed

        2.9        2.1             162.4           338.7   

Floating

              0.6        0.5               1,039.4           985.4   

Total Japanese Yen

     2013-2030                                1,201.8           1,324.1   

Total British Pounds Sterling-Fixed

     2020-2032         6.0        6.0               697.8           700.7   

Fixed

        2.8        2.5             495.8           451.6   

Floating

              5.6        4.1               723.9           752.6   

Total other currencies (2)

     2012-2021                                1,219.7           1,204.2   

Debt obligations before fair value adjustments (3)

                                     12,444.5           11,427.9   

Fair value adjustments (4)

                                     55.9           77.4   

Total debt obligations (5)

                                   $ 12,500.4         $ 11,505.3   

 

(1) Weighted-average effective rate, computed on a semi-annual basis.

 

(2) Primarily consists of Swiss Francs, Chinese Renminbi and Korean Won.

 

(3) Aggregate maturities for 2011 debt balances, before fair value adjustments, were as follows (in millions): 2012–$366.6; 2013–$1,026.0; 2014–$737.9; 2015–$656.3; 2016–$2,158.6; Thereafter–$7,499.1. These amounts include a reclassification of short-term obligations totaling $1.5 billion to long-term obligations as they are supported by a long-term line of credit agreement expiring in November 2016.

 

(4) The carrying value of underlying items in fair value hedges, in this case debt obligations, are adjusted for fair value changes to the extent they are attributable to the risk designated as being hedged. The related hedging instrument is also recorded at fair value in prepaid expenses and other current assets, miscellaneous other assets or other long-term liabilities. A portion ($0.5 million) of the adjustments at December 31, 2011 related to interest rate swaps that were terminated in December 2002 and will amortize as a reduction of interest expense over the remaining life of the debt.

 

(5) Includes notes payable, current maturities of long-term debt and long-term debt included on the Consolidated balance sheet. The increase in debt obligations from December 31, 2010 to December 31, 2011 was primarily due to net issuances of $1.0 billion.

 

Share-based Compensation

 

 

The Company maintains a share-based compensation plan which authorizes the granting of various equity-based incentives including stock options and restricted stock units (RSUs) to employees and nonemployee directors. The number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the plans was 61.4 million at December 31, 2011, including 27.6 million available for future grants.

STOCK OPTIONS

Stock options to purchase common stock are granted with an exercise price equal to the closing market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. Substantially all of the options become exercisable in four equal installments, beginning a year

from the date of the grant, and generally expire 10 years from the grant date. Options granted between May 1, 1999 and December 31, 2000 (approximately 3.5 million options outstanding at December 31, 2011) expire 13 years from the date of grant.

Intrinsic value for stock options is defined as the difference between the current market value of the Company’s stock and the exercise price. During 2011, 2010 and 2009, the total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $416.5 million, $500.8 million and $302.5 million, respectively. Cash received from stock options exercised during 2011 was $334.0 million and the actual tax benefit realized for tax deductions from stock options exercised totaled $110.6 million. The Company uses treasury shares purchased under the Company’s share repurchase program to satisfy share-based exercises.

 

 

McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011     41


Table of Contents

A summary of the status of the Company’s stock option grants as of December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, and changes during the years then ended, is presented in the following table:

 

 

 

     2011           2010           2009  
Options    Shares in
millions
    Weighted-
average
exercise
price
     Weighted-
average
remaining
contractual
life in years
     Aggregate
intrinsic
value in
millions
            Shares in
millions
    Weighted-
average
exercise
price
            Shares in
millions
    Weighted-
average
exercise
price
 

Outstanding at beginning of year

     37.4      $ 42.47                  47.8      $ 38.16            53.4      $ 34.88   

Granted

     3.9        75.97                  4.5        63.26            5.6        56.94   

Exercised

     (9.0     37.46                  (13.6     33.84            (10.7     31.17   

Forfeited/expired

     (0.6     55.00                                (1.3     46.03              (0.5     47.22   

Outstanding at end of year

     31.7      $ 47.77         5.1       $ 1,667.6              37.4      $ 42.47              47.8      $ 38.16   

Exercisable at end of year

     21.9      $ 39.53         3.7       $ 1,328.8              26.4                      35.4           

RSUs

RSUs generally vest 100% on the third anniversary of the grant and are payable in either shares of McDonald’s common stock or cash, at the Company’s discretion. Certain executives have been awarded RSUs that vest based on Company performance. The fair value of each RSU granted is equal to the market price of the Company’s stock at date of grant less the present value of expected dividends over the vesting period.

A summary of the Company’s RSU activity during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 is presented in the following table:

 

 

 

     2011           2010           2009  
RSUs    Shares in
millions
    Weighted-
average
grant date
fair value
            Shares in
millions
    Weighted-
average
grant date
fair value
            Shares in
millions
    Weighted-
average
grant date
fair value
 

Nonvested at beginning of year

     2.3      $ 51.17            2.8      $ 46.33            3.0      $ 40.88   

Granted

     0.6        67.96            0.7        56.09            0.9        50.34   

Vested

     (0.7     49.88            (1.1     42.08            (1.0     34.56   

Forfeited

     (0.1     50.16              (0.1     49.61              (0.1     43.87   

Nonvested at end of year

     2.1      $ 56.78              2.3      $ 51.17              2.8      $ 46.33   

The Company realized tax deductions of $6.1 million from RSUs vested during 2011. The total fair value of RSUs vested during 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $55.5 million, $66.8 million and $59.9 million, respectively.

 

Employee Benefit Plans

 

 

The Company’s Profit Sharing and Savings Plan for U.S.-based employees includes a 401(k) feature, a regular employee match feature, and a discretionary employer profit sharing match. The 401(k) feature allows participants to make pretax contributions that are matched each pay period from shares released under the ESOP. The Profit Sharing and Savings Plan also provides for a discretionary employer profit sharing match after the end of the year for those participants eligible to share in the match.

All current account balances and future contributions and related earnings can be invested in several investment alternatives as well as McDonald’s common stock in accordance with each participant’s elections. Participants’ contributions to the 401(k) feature and the discretionary employer matching contribution feature are limited to 20% investment in McDonald’s common stock. Participants may choose to make separate investment choices for current account balances and for future contributions.

The Company also maintains certain supplemental benefit plans that allow participants to (i) make tax-deferred contributions and (ii) receive Company-provided allocations that cannot be made under the Profit Sharing and Savings Plan because of Internal Revenue Service limitations. The investment alternatives and returns are based on certain market-rate investment alternatives under the Profit Sharing and Savings Plan. Total liabilities were $482.5 million at December 31, 2011, and $439.3 million at

December 31, 2010, and were primarily included in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated balance sheet.

The Company has entered into derivative contracts to hedge market-driven changes in certain of the liabilities. At December 31, 2011, derivatives with a fair value of $154.5 million indexed to the Company’s stock were included in miscellaneous other assets and an investment totaling $98.3 million indexed to certain market indices was included in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Consolidated balance sheet. All changes in liabilities for these nonqualified plans and in the fair value of the derivatives are recorded in selling, general & administrative expenses. Changes in fair value of the derivatives indexed to the Company’s stock are recorded in the income statement because the contracts provide the counterparty with a choice to settle in cash or shares.

Total U.S. costs for the Profit Sharing and Savings Plan, including nonqualified benefits and related hedging activities, were (in millions): 2011–$41.3; 2010–$51.4; 2009–$51.3. Certain subsidiaries outside the U.S. also offer profit sharing, stock purchase or other similar benefit plans. Total plan costs outside the U.S. were (in millions): 2011–$58.3; 2010–$57.6; 2009–$45.2.

The total combined liabilities for international retirement plans were $125.4 million and $153.2 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, primarily in the U.K. and Canada.

Other postretirement benefits and post-employment benefits were immaterial.

 

 

42     McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011


Table of Contents

Quarterly Results (Unaudited)

 

 

 

     Quarters ended
December 31
          Quarters ended
September 30
         Quarters ended
June 30
          Quarters ended
March 31
 
In millions, except per share data    2011      2010             2011     2010            2011      2010             2011      2010  

Revenues

                              

Sales by Company-operated restaurants

   $ 4,587.2       $ 4,170.2          $ 4,855.5      $ 4,246.6         $ 4,697.4       $ 4,013.4          $ 4,152.7       $ 3,803.1   

Revenues from franchised restaurants

     2,235.5         2,043.9              2,310.8        2,058.3             2,208.0         1,932.1              1,958.9         1,807.0   

Total revenues

     6,822.7         6,214.1              7,166.3        6,304.9             6,905.4         5,945.5              6,111.6         5,610.1   

Company-operated margin

     856.1         790.4            972.2        892.6           890.6         798.6            736.0         692.2   

Franchised margin

     1,857.5         1,684.1            1,934.6        1,713.9           1,835.0         1,597.8            1,604.6         1,467.7   

Operating income

     2,120.0         1,857.2              2,394.7        2,096.5             2,189.1         1,845.3              1,825.9         1,674.1 (1)  

Net income

   $ 1,376.6       $ 1,242.3            $ 1,507.3      $ 1,388.4           $ 1,410.2       $ 1,225.8            $ 1,209.0       $ 1,089.8 (1)  

Earnings per common share—basic

   $ 1.35       $ 1.18          $ 1.47      $ 1.31         $ 1.36       $ 1.14          $ 1.16       $ 1.01 (1)  

Earnings per common share—diluted

   $ 1.33       $ 1.16            $ 1.45      $ 1.29           $ 1.35       $ 1.13            $ 1.15       $ 1.00 (1)  

Dividends declared per common share

                          $ 1.31 (2)     $ 1.16 (3)          $ 0.61       $ 0.55            $ 0.61       $ 0.55   

Weighted-average common shares—basic

     1,022.0         1,055.0            1,028.8        1,061.0           1,035.6         1,072.1            1,042.4         1,076.0   

Weighted-average common shares—diluted

     1,034.7         1,068.8              1,041.3        1,074.9             1,047.7         1,085.9              1,054.6         1,090.1   

Market price per common share:

                              

High

   $ 101.00       $ 80.94          $ 91.22      $ 76.26         $ 84.91       $ 71.84          $ 77.59       $ 67.49   

Low

     83.74         74.40            82.01        65.31           75.66         65.55            72.14         61.06   

Close

     100.33         76.76              87.82        74.51             84.32         65.87              76.09         66.72   

 

(1) Includes pretax and after tax expense due to Impairment and other charges (credits), net of $30.0 million ($0.03 per share) related to the Company’s share of restaurant closing costs in McDonald’s Japan (a 50%-owned affiliate).

 

(2) Includes a $0.61 per share dividend declared and paid in third quarter and a $0.70 per share dividend declared in third quarter and paid in fourth quarter.

 

(3) Includes a $0.55 per share dividend declared and paid in third quarter and a $0.61 per share dividend declared in third quarter and paid in fourth quarter.

 

McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011     43


Table of Contents

Management’s Assessment of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

 

The financial statements were prepared by management, which is responsible for their integrity and objectivity and for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

 

  I. pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;

 

  II. provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and

 

  III. provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

There are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any internal control, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of controls. Accordingly, even effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurances with respect to financial statement preparation. Further, because of changes in conditions, the effectiveness of internal controls may vary over time.

Management assessed the design and effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework.

Based on management’s assessment using those criteria, as of December 31, 2011, management believes that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective.

Ernst & Young, LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the financial statements of the Company for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 and the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011. Their reports are presented on the following pages. The independent registered public accountants and internal auditors advise management of the results of their audits, and make recommendations to improve the system of internal controls. Management evaluates the audit recommendations and takes appropriate action.

McDONALD’S CORPORATION

February 24, 2012

 

44     McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011


Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of McDonald’s Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of McDonald’s Corporation as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of McDonald’s Corporation at December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), McDonald’s Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 24, 2012, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Chicago, Illinois

February 24, 2012

 

McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011     45


Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of McDonald’s Corporation

We have audited McDonald’s Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). McDonald’s Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying report on Management’s Assessment of Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

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

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

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

In our opinion, McDonald’s Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements of McDonald’s Corporation as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011, and our report dated February 24, 2012, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Chicago, Illinois

February 24, 2012

 

46     McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011


Table of Contents

ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

 

None.

ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures

 

 

DISCLOSURE CONTROLS

An evaluation was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2011. Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms.

INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, confirm that there was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2011 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT

Management’s Report and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting are set forth in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

ITEM 9B. Other Information

 

 

None.

PART III

 

 

ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

 

Information regarding directors and the Company’s Code of Conduct for the Board of Directors, its Code of Ethics for Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers and its Standards of Business Conduct is incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement, which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2011. We will post any amendments to or any waivers for directors and executive officers from provisions of the Codes on the Company’s website at www.governance.mcdonalds.com.

Information regarding all of the Company’s executive officers is included in Part I, page 7 of this Form 10-K.

ITEM 11. Executive Compensation

 

 

Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement, which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2011.

 

 

ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters

 

 

The following table summarizes information about the Company’s equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2011. All outstanding awards relate to the Company’s common stock. Shares issued under all of the following plans may be from the Company’s treasury, newly issued or both.

Equity compensation plan information

 

 

 

     Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
    Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
     Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
 
Plan category    (a)     (b)      (c)  

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

     30,187,621 (1)     $ 49.77         27,610,823   

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

     3,643,106 (2)       36.39            

Total

     33,830,727      $ 48.33         27,610,823   

 

(1) Includes stock options granted under the following plans: 2001 Omnibus Stock Ownership Plan—28,081,268 shares; and 1992 Stock Ownership Incentive Plan (1992 Plan)—500 shares. Also includes 2,105,853 restricted stock units granted under the McDonald’s Corporation 2001 Omnibus Stock Ownership Plan.

 

(2) Includes stock options granted under the following plans: 1992 Plan— 3,568,778; and 1975 Stock Ownership Option Plan- 74,328.

 

McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011     47


Table of Contents

 

Additional matters incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement, which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2011.

ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 

 

Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement, which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2011.

ITEM 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

 

Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement, which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2011.

 

 

PART IV

 

 

ITEM 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

 

 

a. (1)   All financial statements

Consolidated financial statements filed as part of this report are listed under Part II, Item 8, pages 27 through 42 of this Form 10-K.

 

(2)   Financial statement schedules

No schedules are required because either the required information is not present or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.

b. Exhibits

The exhibits listed in the accompanying index are filed as part of this report.

McDonald’s Corporation Exhibit Index (Item 15)

 

 

Exhibit Number Description

 

  (3)    (a)   Restated Certificate of Incorporation, effective as of June 1, 2011, incorporated herein by reference from Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended June 30, 2011.
     (b)   By-Laws, as amended and restated with effect as of January 26, 2012, incorporated herein by reference from Form 8-K, filed January 31, 2012.
  (4)    Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including Indentures:*
     (a)   Senior Debt Securities Indenture, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit (4)(a) of Form S-3 Registration Statement (File No. 333-14141), filed October 15, 1996.
       (i)   6 3/8% Debentures due 2028. Supplemental Indenture No. 1, dated January 8, 1998, incorporated herein by
reference from Exhibit (4)(a) of Form 8-K, filed January 13, 1998.
       (ii)   Medium-Term Notes, Series F, Due from 1 Year to 60 Years from Date of Issue. Supplemental Indenture No. 4, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit (4)(c) of Form S-3 Registration Statement (File No. 333-59145), filed July 15, 1998.
       (iii)   Medium-Term Notes, Series G, Due from 1 Year to 60 Years from Date of Issue. Supplemental Indenture No. 6, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit (4)(c) of Form S-3 Registration Statement (File No. 333-333-60170), filed May 3, 2001.
       (iv)   Medium-Term Notes, Series H, Due from 1 Year to 60 Years from Date of Issue. Supplemental Indenture No. 7, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit (4)(c) of Form S-3 Registration Statement (File No. 333-92212), filed July 10, 2002.
       (v)   Medium-Term Notes, Series I, Due from 1 Year to 60 Years from Date of Issue. Supplemental Indenture No. 8, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit (4)(c) of Form S-3 Registration Statement (File No. 333-139431), filed December 15, 2006.

 

48     McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011


Table of Contents
  (vi)   Medium-Term Notes, Due from One Year to 60 Years from Date of Issue. Supplemental Indenture No. 9, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit (4)(c) of Form S-3 Registration Statement (File No. 333-162182), filed September 28, 2009.

 

  (b)   Subordinated Debt Securities Indenture, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit (4)(b) of Form S-3 Registration Statement (File No. 333-14141), filed October 15, 1996.

 

  (10)   Material Contracts

 

  (a)   Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, effective as of January 1, 2008, incorporated herein by reference from Form 8-K, filed December 4, 2007.**

 

  (b)   McDonald’s Excess Benefit and Deferred Bonus Plan, effective January 1, 2011, as amended and restated March 22, 2010, incorporated herein by reference from Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended March 31, 2010.**

 

  (c)   McDonald’s Corporation Supplemental Profit Sharing and Savings Plan, effective as of September 1, 2001, incorporated herein by reference from Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2001.**

 

  (i)   First Amendment to the McDonald’s Corporation Supplemental Profit Sharing and Savings Plan, effective as of January 1, 2002, incorporated herein by reference from Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2002.**

 

  (ii)   Second Amendment to the McDonald’s Corporation Supplemental Profit Sharing and Savings Plan, effective January 1, 2005, incorporated herein by reference from Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2004.**

 

  (d)   1975 Stock Ownership Option Plan, as amended and restated July 30, 2001, incorporated herein by reference from Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended September 30, 2001.**

 

  (i)   First Amendment to McDonald’s Corporation 1975 Stock Ownership Option Plan, as amended and restated, effective as of February 14, 2007, incorporated herein by reference from Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended March 31, 2007.**

 

  (e)   1992 Stock Ownership Incentive Plan, as amended and restated January 1, 2001, incorporated herein by reference from Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended March 31, 2001.**

 

  (i)   First Amendment to McDonald’s Corporation 1992 Stock Ownership Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, effective as of February 14, 2007, incorporated herein by reference from Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended March 31, 2007.**

 

  (f)   McDonald’s Corporation Executive Retention Replacement Plan, effective as of December 31, 2007 (as amended and restated on December 31, 2008), incorporated herein by reference from Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2008.**

 

  (g)   McDonald’s Corporation Amended and Restated 2001 Omnibus Stock Ownership Plan, effective July 1, 2008, incorporated herein by reference from Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended June 30, 2009.**

 

  (i)   First amendment to the McDonald’s Corporation Amended and Restated 2001 Omnibus Stock Ownership Plan, incorporated herein by reference from Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2008.**

 

  (ii)   Second Amendment to the McDonald’s Corporation Amended and Restated 2001 Omnibus Stock Ownership Plan as amended, effective February 9, 2011, incorporated herein by reference from Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2010.**

 

  (h)   Form of McDonald’s Corporation Tier I Change of Control Employment Agreement, incorporated herein by reference from Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended September 30, 2008.**

 

  (i)   McDonald’s Corporation 2009 Cash Incentive Plan, effective as of May 27, 2009, incorporated herein by reference from Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended June 30, 2009.**

 

  (j)   Form of Executive Stock Option Grant Agreement in connection with the Amended and Restated 2001 Omnibus Stock Ownership Plan, as amended, filed herewith.**

 

  (k)   Form of Executive Performance-based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement in connection with the Amended and Restated 2001 Omnibus Stock Ownership Plan, as amended, filed herewith.**

 

  (l)   McDonald’s Corporation Severance Plan, effective January 1, 2008, incorporated by reference from Form 8-K, filed December 4, 2007.**

 

  (i)   First Amendment of McDonald’s Corporation Severance Plan, effective as of October 1, 2008, incorporated herein by reference from Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended September 30, 2008.**

 

  (ii)   Second Amendment of McDonald’s Corporation Severance Plan, effective as of December 5, 2011, filed herewith.**

 

  (m)   Amended Assignment Agreement between Timothy Fenton and the Company, dated January 2008, incorporated herein by reference from Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended March 31, 2008.**

 

 

McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011     49


Table of Contents
  (i)   2009 Amendment to the Amended Assignment Agreement between Timothy Fenton and the Company, effective as of January 1, 2009, incorporated herein by reference from Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended March 31, 2009.**

 

  (n)   Description of Restricted Stock Units granted to Andrew J. McKenna, incorporated herein by reference from Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended June 30, 2011.**

 

  (o)   Terms of the Restricted Stock Units granted pursuant to the Company’s Amended and Restated 2001 Omnibus Stock Ownership Plan, incorporated herein by reference from Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2010.**

 

  (p)   McDonald’s Corporation Target Incentive Plan, effective as of January 1, 2008, incorporated herein by reference from Form 8-K, filed January 29, 2008.**

 

  (q)   European Prospectus Supplement describing the terms of equity compensation awards granted in the European Union pursuant to the Company’s Amended and Restated 2001 Omnibus Stock Ownership Plan, incorporated herein by reference from Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2010.**

 

  (r)   Letter Agreement between Ralph Alvarez and the Company dated December 18, 2009, incorporated herein by reference from Form 8-K, filed December 23, 2009.**

 

  (s)   McDonald’s Corporation Cash Performance Unit Plan 2010-2012, effective as of February 9, 2010, incorporated herein by reference from Form 8-K, filed February 16, 2010.**

 

  (t)   Executive Supplement describing the special terms of equity compensation awards granted to certain executive officers, pursuant to the Company’s Amended and Restated 2001 Omnibus Stock Ownership Plan, incorporated herein by reference from Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended March 31, 2011.**

 

  (u)   Transaction Settlement Agreement between Denis Hennequin and the Company dated December 20, 2010 incorporated herein by reference from Form 8-K, filed December 20, 2010.**

 

  (12)   Statements regarding Computation of Ratios.

 

  (21)   Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

 

  (23)   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

  (24)   Power of Attorney.

 

  (31.1)   Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer.

 

  (31.2)   Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer.

 

  (32.1)   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 by the Chief Executive Officer, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

  (32.2)   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 by the Chief Financial Officer, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

  (101.INS)   XBRL Instance Document.

 

  (101.SCH)   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

 

  (101.CAL)   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

 

  (101.DEF)   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

 

  (101.LAB)   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

 

  (101.PRE)   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

 

 

 

* Other instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the registrant, and all of its subsidiaries for which consolidated financial statements are required to be filed and which are not required to be registered with the Commission, are not included herein as the securities authorized under these instruments, individually, do not exceed 10% of the total assets of the registrant and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. An agreement to furnish a copy of any such instruments to the Commission upon request has been filed with the Commission.

 

** Denotes compensatory plan.

 

50     McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011


Table of Contents

Signatures

 

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

McDonald’s Corporation

(Registrant)

By   /s/    Peter J. Bensen        
  Peter J. Bensen
  Corporate Executive Vice President and
  Chief Financial Officer
February 24, 2012
Date

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in their capacities indicated below on the 24th day of February, 2012:

Signature, Title

By   /s/    Susan E. Arnold        
  Susan E. Arnold
  Director
By   /s/    Peter J. Bensen        
  Peter J. Bensen
  Corporate Executive Vice President and
  Chief Financial Officer
By   /s/    Robert A. Eckert        
  Robert A. Eckert
  Director
By   /s/    Enrique Hernandez, Jr.        
  Enrique Hernandez, Jr.
  Director
By    
  Jeanne P. Jackson
  Director
By   /s/    Richard H. Lenny        
  Richard H. Lenny
  Director
By   /s/    Walter E. Massey        
  Walter E. Massey
  Director
By   /s/    Andrew J. McKenna        
  Andrew J. McKenna
  Chairman of the Board and Director

Signature, Title

By   /s/    Cary D. McMillan        
  Cary D. McMillan
  Director
By   /s/    Kevin M. Ozan        
  Kevin M. Ozan
  Corporate Senior Vice President – Controller
By   /s/    Sheila A. Penrose        
  Sheila A. Penrose
  Director
By   /s/    John W. Rogers, Jr.        
  John W. Rogers, Jr.
  Director
By   /s/    James A. Skinner        
  James A. Skinner
  Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director
By   /s/    Roger W. Stone        
  Roger W. Stone
  Director
By   /s/    Donald Thompson        
  Donald Thompson
  President, Chief Operating Officer and Director
By   /s/    Miles D. White        
  Miles D. White
  Director
 

 

McDonald’s Corporation Annual Report 2011     51

Exhibit (10)(j)

MCDONALD’S CORPORATION

AMENDED AND RESTATED 2001 OMNIBUS STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN

STOCK OPTION GRANT AGREEMENT

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

MCDONALD’S CORPORATION (the “ Company ” or “ McDonald’s ”), hereby grants to the individual named in the chart below (the “ Optionee ”), the number of options to purchase shares of the Company’s Stock (the “ Options ”) for the Option Price per share (the “ Option Price ”), both as set forth in the chart below. These Options shall vest and terminate according to the vesting schedule and termination provisions described below in this Stock Option Grant Agreement including any Appendix (the “ Agreement ”). The Options shall be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and to the extent such terms and conditions are not set forth in this Agreement, in the McDonald’s Corporation Amended and Restated 2001 Omnibus Stock Ownership Plan, as amended (the “ Plan ”).

Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meaning provided in the Plan. The Plan is incorporated into, and made a part of, this Agreement.

 

Optionee:   
Number of Options:   
Type of Option Grant:    Non-Qualified Stock Option
Option Price:    $
Grant Date    February 8, 2012
Expiration Date:    10 th Anniversary of the Grant Date
Vesting Schedule:   

25% on first anniversary of Grant Date

25% on second anniversary of Grant Date

25% on third anniversary of Grant Date

25% on fourth anniversary of Grant Date

1. Executive Retention Replacement Plan . If the Optionee participates in the Company’s Executive Retention Replacement Plan (the “ ERRP ”), the treatment of the Options upon the Optionee’s termination of employment (within the meaning of the ERRP) is governed by the terms of the ERRP, which terms will supersede any provisions of this Agreement and the Plan to the extent they are inconsistent with the ERRP.

2. Termination of Employment . For purposes of this Section 2, the date of Termination of Employment will be the last date that the Optionee is classified as a current employee in the payroll system of the Company or applicable Subsidiary. The Committee shall have the exclusive discretion to determine when the Optionee is no longer employed for purposes of the Options, this Agreement and the Plan.

 

1


(a) Termination Within One Year of the Grant Date . If the Optionee has a Termination of Employment for any reason other than death or Disability prior to the 12-month anniversary of the Grant Date, all Options will be immediately forfeited, regardless of any other provisions of this Agreement and the Plan.

(b) Termination for Cause . If the Optionee has a Termination of Employment for Cause, all vested and unvested Options shall terminate immediately; provided, however, that if the Optionee has a Termination of Employment for Cause due solely to a Policy Violation (as determined by the Committee in its sole and absolute discretion), the provisions of subsection 2(c) below shall apply.

(c) Termination Due to Policy Violation . If the Optionee has a Termination of Employment for Cause due solely to a Policy Violation (as determined by the Committee in its sole and absolute discretion), any Options exercisable on the date of the Optionee’s Termination of Employment may be exercised not later than the 90th day following the Optionee’s Termination of Employment. Any unvested Options shall be forfeited as of the date of the Optionee’s Termination of Employment.

(d) Termination on Account of Death or Disability . If the Optionee has a Termination of Employment on account of death or Disability (even during the first 12 months following the Grant Date), any unexercised Options, whether or not vested on the date of the Optionee’s Termination of Employment, may be exercised at any time within three years after such Termination of Employment; and in the case of death, the Options may be exercised by (i) the Optionee’s personal representative or by the person to whom the Options are transferred by will or the applicable laws of descent and distribution, (ii) the Optionee’s beneficiary designated in accordance with Section 8 of the Plan, or (iii) the then-acting trustee of the trust described in Section 8(b) of the Plan.

For purposes of subsections (e) and (f) that follow, the term “ Affiliate Service ” means the Optionee’s aggregate number of years of employment with the Company and any Subsidiary, including employment with any Subsidiary during the period before it became a Subsidiary.

(e) Termination on Account of Retirement .

(i) Termination with At Least 68 Years of Combined Age and Service . If the Optionee voluntarily terminates employment and (i) the Optionee’s combined age and years of Affiliate Service is equal to or greater than 68, (ii) the Optionee provides six months advance written notice of his or her intention to terminate employment to the Corporate Vice President – Global Total Compensation, (iii) the Optionee executes and delivers (and does not revoke) a release agreement satisfactory to the Company and (iv) the Optionee executes and delivers a non-competition agreement satisfactory to the Company (as the Committee may require), any unvested Options that would have vested within three years of the Optionee’s Termination of Employment, will become exercisable in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set forth above in this Agreement, and any exercisable Options may be exercised at any time within three years after the Optionee’s Termination of Employment or before the Expiration Date, if sooner. If the Optionee executes and delivers a non-competition agreement, and then violates the provisions of that agreement (in the Committee’s discretion), all unexercised Options will immediately terminate and will not be exercisable.

(ii) Termination of Employment After Attaining Age 60 with 20 or More Years of Service . If the Optionee terminates employment (other than for Cause) after attaining age 60 with 20 years or more of Affiliate Service and the Optionee executes and delivers (and does not revoke) a release agreement satisfactory to the Company, any unvested Options that would have vested within three years

 

2


of the date of the Optionee’s Termination of Employment will become exercisable in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set forth above in this Agreement, and any exercisable Options may be exercised at any time within three years after the Optionee’s Termination of Employment.

(iii) Termination of Employment After Attaining Age 60 with Less than 20 Years of Service . If the Optionee terminates employment (other than for Cause) after attaining age 60 but before completing 20 years of Affiliate Service and the Optionee executes and delivers (and does not revoke) a release agreement satisfactory to the Company, any Options exercisable on the date of the Optionee’s Termination of Employment may be exercised at any time within one year after such Termination of Employment. All unvested Options will be forfeited as of the date of Termination of Employment.

(f) Termination on Account of Special Circumstances . If the Optionee has a Termination of Employment due to Special Circumstances, the Optionee’s combined age and years of Affiliate Service meets the threshold set forth in the chart below and the Optionee satisfies the additional conditions set forth in subsections (i) and (ii) below, the Options, to the extent unvested as of the date of the Optionee’s Termination of Employment, will, for the applicable period after the Optionee’s Termination of Employment specified in the chart below, become exercisable in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set forth above in this Agreement and any exercisable Options may be exercised at any time within the applicable period specified in the chart below after such Termination of Employment. As of the expiry of the applicable period specified in the chart below after the Optionee’s Termination of Employment, any Options that remain unvested will be forfeited.

 

Age and Years of
Affiliate Service

  

Additional Vesting
and Time to Exercise

68 plus years    3 Years
58 to 67 years    2 Years
48 to 57 years    1 Year

(i) Termination of Employment Without Cause . In the case of the Optionee’s Termination of Employment by the Company or a Subsidiary without Cause, to qualify for the treatment provided in this subsection (f), the Optionee must execute and deliver (i) a release agreement satisfactory to the Company (which the Optionee does not revoke) and (ii) a non-competition agreement in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Committee. However, if the extension of time to exercise the Options as set forth in this subsection (f) would not result in any of the Options being exercisable later than the Expiration Date, the Committee may in its discretion waive the Optionee’s obligation to execute and deliver a non-competition agreement. If the Optionee executes and delivers a non-competition agreement, and then violates the provisions of that agreement (in the Committee’s discretion), all unexercised Options will immediately terminate and will not be exercisable.

(ii) Termination due to Change in Status to Owner-Operator . If the Optionee becomes an owner-operator of a McDonald’s restaurant in connection with his or her Termination of Employment, to qualify for the above treatment, the Optionee must execute and deliver (and not revoke) a release agreement satisfactory to the Company.

(g) Termination Due to Disaffiliation . If the Optionee has a Termination of Employment because of a Disaffiliation and the Optionee executes and delivers (and does not revoke) a release agreement satisfactory to the Company, any Options exercisable on the date of the Disaffiliation may be

 

3


exercised at any time within one year following the Disaffiliation. All unvested Options shall be forfeited as of the date of the Disaffiliation. If, however, the Options are assumed by another entity, this rule will not apply and the Options will continue in effect, subject to any changes as may be made to reflect the assumption of the Options.

(h) Any Other Reason . If the Optionee has a Termination of Employment for a reason other than those specified in Sections 2(a)-(g) above, any Options exercisable on the date of the Optionee’s Termination of Employment may be exercised not later than the 90th day following the Optionee’s Termination of Employment. All unvested Options shall be forfeited as of the date of Termination of Employment.

(i) Selection of Rule . If the Optionee’s Termination of Employment is covered by more than one of the foregoing rules, the applicable rule that is the most favorable to the Optionee shall apply, except that (i) in the case of a Termination of Employment for Cause, the Committee shall have the sole and absolute discretion to determine whether the Optionee is eligible for the treatment described in Section 2(c) above; and (ii) in the case of a Termination Due to Disaffiliation, Section 2(g) shall apply.

3. Responsibility for Taxes . Regardless of any action the Company or the Optionee’s employer (the “ Employer ”) takes with respect to any or all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, payment on account or other tax-related withholding (“ Tax-Related Items ”), the Optionee acknowledges that the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items is and remains the Optionee’s responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the Company or the Employer. The Optionee further acknowledges that the Company and/or the Employer (i) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the Options, including the grant, vesting or exercise of the Options, the subsequent sale of shares of Stock acquired as a result of such exercise and the receipt of any dividends; and (ii) do not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the Options to reduce or eliminate the Optionee’s liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. Furthermore, if the Optionee has become subject to Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction between the Grant Date and the date of any relevant taxable event, the Optionee acknowledges that the Company and/or the Employer (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related in more than one jurisdiction.

The Optionee authorizes the Company and/or the Employer, or their respective agents, at their discretion, to satisfy the obligations with regard to all Tax-Related Items by one or a combination of the following: (i) withholding from the Optionee’s wages or other cash compensation paid to the Optionee by the Company and/or the Employer; or (ii) withholding from proceeds of the sale of shares of Stock acquired at exercise of the Options, either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on the Optionee’s behalf pursuant to this authorization). The Optionee shall pay to the Company or the Employer any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company or the Employer may be required to withhold or account for as a result of the Optionee’s participation in the Plan that cannot be satisfied by the means previously described. The Company may refuse to issue or deliver shares of Stock or the proceeds of the sale of shares of Stock if the Optionee fails to comply with his or her obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items.

4. Repayment/Forfeiture . Any benefits the Optionee may receive hereunder shall be subject to repayment or forfeiture as may be required to comply with (i) any applicable listing standards of a national securities exchange adopted in accordance with Section 954 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (regarding recovery of erroneously awarded compensation) and

 

4


any implementing rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission adopted thereunder, (ii) similar rules under the laws of any other jurisdiction and (iii) any policies adopted by the Company to implement such requirements, all to the extent determined by the Company in its discretion to be applicable to the Optionee.

5. No Employment or Service Contract . Nothing in this Agreement or in the Plan shall confer upon the Optionee any right to continue in the employ of the Company or any Subsidiary for any period of specific duration or interfere with or restrict in any way the right of the Company or any Subsidiary, which is hereby expressly reserved, to remove, terminate or discharge the Optionee at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without Cause and with or without advance notice.

6. Governing Law . The Options are governed by, and subject to, United States federal and Illinois state law (without regard to the conflict of law provisions) and the requirements of the New York Stock Exchange as well as the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan and this Agreement.

7. Electronic Delivery and Acceptance . The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to current or future participation in the Plan by electronic means and/or require the Optionee to accept any future option grant by electronic means. The Optionee hereby consents to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agrees to accept any future option grant through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company.

8. Severability . The provisions of this Agreement are severable and if any one or more provisions are determined to be illegal or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless be binding and enforceable.

9. Waiver . The waiver by the Company with respect to compliance of any provision of this Agreement by the Optionee shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement, or of any subsequent breach of such party of a provision of this Agreement.

10. Headings . The headings in this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only, and are to be ignored in any construction of the provisions of this Agreement.

11. Appendix . The Appendix constitutes part of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the provisions in this Agreement, the Options shall be subject to any special terms and conditions set forth in the Appendix to this Agreement.

< Signature Page Follows >

 

5


B Y ACCEPTING THE O PTIONS , THE O PTIONEE AGREES TO THE TERMS OF THIS A GREEMENT AND THE P LAN .

 

         BY:  

 

 

         PRINT NAME:  

 

 

         DATE:  

 

 

6


APPENDIX A

Power of Attorney

This Appendix A to the Agreement is a Power of Attorney that the Optionee authorizes by participating in the Plan. Certain capitalized terms used but not defined in this Appendix A have the meanings set forth in the Agreement (including the Appendix) or the Plan.

I hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint the Corporate Secretary and each Assistant Corporate Secretary of McDonald’s Corporation as my true and lawful attorney-in-fact (“ Attorney ”) with full power and authority and full power of substitution and resubstitution, to take in my name and on my behalf any and all actions necessary or desirable to meet any withholding obligation for Tax-Related Items as contemplated by the Agreement, including any and all of the following actions:

 

  (i) To sell in my name and on my behalf such number of shares of the common stock of McDonald’s I acquire at vesting to the extent that McDonald’s, in its sole discretion, determines that such sale is necessary and/or advisable in connection with tax withholding requirements under local law and/or regulations as a result of the vesting and exercise of any Options and to pay in my name and on my behalf my proportionate share of any lawful dealer’s commission or discount and related expenses of such sale;

 

  (ii) To direct in my name and on my behalf the payment to McDonald’s of the proceeds of such sale (net of any brokerage commissions) to the extent that McDonald’s, in its sole discretion, determines is necessary and/or advisable in order to satisfy and discharge any such withholding obligation, with any excess to be returned to me by depositing the same in my Merrill Lynch account; and

 

  (iii) To execute such agreements and other documents and to take such other and further actions as may be necessary or desirable, as determined by the Attorney, to effectuate the foregoing.

This Power of Attorney is an agency coupled with an interest and all authority conferred hereby shall be irrevocable and shall not be terminated by me or by operation of law, whether by my death or incapacity or by the occurrence of any other event or events. If, after the execution hereof and prior to the vesting and exercise of the Options, I should die or become incapacitated, actions taken by the Attorney hereunder and under the Agreement shall be as valid as if such death or incapacity had not occurred, regardless of whether the Attorney or McDonald’s has received notice of such death or incapacity.

To induce any transfer agent or other third party to act, I hereby agree that any transfer agent or other third party receiving a duly executed copy or facsimile of this Power of Attorney may act upon it. I for myself and for my heirs, executors, legal representatives and assigns hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless any such transfer agent or other third party from and against any and all claims that may arise against such transfer agent or other third party by reason of such transfer agent or third party having relied on this Power of Attorney.

This Power of Attorney shall automatically terminate (without affecting any lawful action taken hereunder, which shall survive such termination) immediately upon the satisfaction and discharge of all withholding obligations for Tax-Related Items in connection with any Options to me under the Plan.

 

7


The Attorney shall be entitled to act and rely upon any representation, warranty, agreement, statement, request, notice or instruction respecting this Power of Attorney given by me, not only as to the authorization, validity and effectiveness thereof, but also as to the truth and accuracy of information therein contained. I agree that the Attorney assumes no responsibility or liability to any person, including me, other than to direct the transactions expressly contemplated hereby. I also agree that the Attorney makes no representation about, and has no responsibility for, any aspect of the Plan or the Options, and the Attorney shall not be liable for any error of judgment, for any act done or omitted or for any mistake of fact or law except for the Attorney’s own willful misconduct, gross negligence or bad faith.

This Power of Attorney shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to any otherwise applicable conflicts of law or choice of law principles.

 

8

Exhibit (10)(k)

MCDONALD’S CORPORATION

AMENDED AND RESTATED 2001 OMNIBUS STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN

PERFORMANCE-BASED RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

MCDONALD’S CORPORATION (the “ Company ” or “ McDonald’s ”), hereby grants to the individual named in the chart below (the “ Grantee ”), the number of restricted stock units (“ RSUs ”) with respect to shares of the Company’s Stock set forth in the chart below. Each RSU represents the equivalent in value of one share of Stock. The RSUs shall vest upon satisfaction of performance and service conditions and/or in accordance with the termination provisions described below in this Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, including any Appendices (the “ Agreement ”). The RSUs shall be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and to the extent such terms and conditions are not set forth in this Agreement, in the McDonald’s Corporation Amended and Restated 2001 Omnibus Stock Ownership Plan, as amended (the “ Plan ”).

To the extent the Grantee is a “covered employee” (within the meaning of Section 162(m)(3) of the Code), the RSUs are intended to be a Qualified Performance-Based Award, and the provisions of Section 23 of the Plan shall apply to the RSUs, notwithstanding any conflicting provision of this Agreement.

The schedule of performance goals (“ Performance Goals ”) shall be established by the Committee not later than 90 days after the commencement of the Performance Period, provided that the outcome of the Performance Goals is substantially uncertain at the time the Committee establishes them. The schedule of Performance Goals shall be attached to this Agreement as Appendix A.

Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meaning provided in the Plan. The Plan is incorporated into, and made a part of, this Agreement.

Important Notice : To avoid cancellation of the RSUs, the Grantee must accept the RSUs on the terms and conditions on which they are offered, as set forth in this Agreement and in the Plan, by signing and returning this Agreement to the Executive Vice President of Human Resources, or his designee, no later than 60 days following the Grant Date specified in the chart below. If the Grantee fails to accept the RSUs in writing within this 60 day period, the RSUs will be cancelled.

 

The Grantee:     
Target Number of RSUs (“ Target Award ”)     
Grant Date:    February 8, 2012
Performance Period:    January 1, 2012 – December 31, 2014
Vesting Schedule:    0% - 100% of the Target Award shall vest on the third anniversary of the Grant Date, as determined by achievement of the Performance Goals set forth in Appendix A.


1. Vesting of RSUs . As set forth in the chart above, if and to the extent the Performance Goals are achieved, the RSUs will vest on the third anniversary of the Grant Date (the “ Vesting Date ”), as long as the Grantee remains continuously employed by the Company or a Subsidiary until the Vesting Date, unless otherwise provided by Sections 4 or 7 below. The number of RSUs that shall vest will range from 0% to 100% of the Target Award, as determined by the extent to which the Performance Goals set forth in Appendix A to this Agreement are achieved. The Grantee will have no rights to the shares of Stock until the RSUs have vested. Prior to settlement, the RSUs represent an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Company.

2. Settlement of RSUs . On the Vesting Date, or no later than 90 days thereafter, the Company will issue and deliver to the Grantee (at the Company’s sole discretion) either the number of shares of Stock equal to the number of vested RSUs or the cash equivalent value based on the New York Stock Exchange closing price of a share of Stock on the Vesting Date (or if the Vesting Date is a date on which the Stock is not traded, based on the closing price on the last date immediately preceding to the Vesting Date on which the Stock was traded), subject to satisfaction of applicable tax and/or other obligations as described in Section 6 below and certification (in writing) by the Committee that the Performance Goals set forth in Appendix A have been attained. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) if the RSUs vest upon the Grantee’s Termination of Employment on account of death or Disability or after a Change in Control pursuant to Section 7(b) below, the RSUs will be settled within 90 days of the Grantee’s Termination of Employment, and (ii) if the RSUs vest upon a Change in Control, the RSUs will be settled as provided in Section 7(a) below, unless otherwise provided in Section 9 below. For purposes of the settlement timing provisions of this Section 2 and Sections 7 and 9 below, if the 60th or 90th day, as applicable, following the settlement event is not a business day, the vested RSUs will be settled on or prior to the business day immediately preceding the 60th or 90th day, as applicable.

3. Executive Retention Replacement Plan . If the Grantee participates in the Company’s Executive Retention Replacement Plan (the “ ERRP ”), the treatment of the RSUs upon the Grantee’s termination of employment (within the meaning of the ERRP) is governed by the terms of the ERRP, which terms will supersede any provisions of this Agreement and the Plan to the extent they are inconsistent with the ERRP.

4. Termination of Employment . For purposes of this Section 4, the date of Termination of Employment will be the last date that the Grantee is classified as an employee in the payroll system of the Company or applicable Subsidiary, provided that in the case of a Grantee who is subject to U.S. federal income tax (a “ U.S. Taxpayer ”), the date of Termination of Employment will be the date that the Grantee experiences a “separation from service,” in accordance with the requirements of Code Section 409A. The Company shall have the exclusive discretion to determine when the Grantee is no longer employed for purposes of the RSUs, this Agreement and the Plan.

(a) Termination Within One Year of the Grant Date . If the Grantee has a Termination of Employment for any reason other than death or Disability prior to the 12-month anniversary of the Grant Date, the RSUs will be immediately forfeited, regardless of any other provisions of this Agreement and the Plan.

 

2


(b) Termination for Cause or Policy Violation . If the Grantee has a Termination of Employment for Cause, including on account of a Policy Violation (as determined by the Committee or its delegee in its sole and absolute discretion), the RSUs will be immediately forfeited, regardless of any other provisions of this Agreement.

(c) Termination on Account of Death or Disability . If the Grantee has a Termination of Employment on account of death or Disability (even during the first 12 months following the Grant Date), the Performance Goals requirement will be waived and 100% of the Target Award will immediately vest and will be settled in accordance with Section 2 above, unless otherwise provided in Section 9(b) below.

For purposes of subsections (d) and (e) that follow, the term “ Affiliate Service ” means the Grantee’s aggregate number of years of employment with the Company and any Subsidiary, including employment with any Subsidiary during the period before it became a Subsidiary.

(d) Termination on Account of Retirement .

(i) Termination with At Least 68 Years of Combined Age and Service . If the Grantee voluntarily terminates employment and (i) the Grantee’s combined age and years of Affiliate Service is equal to or greater than 68, (ii) the Grantee provides 6 months advance written notice of his or her intention to terminate employment to the Corporate Vice President – Global Total Compensation, (iii) the Grantee executes and delivers (and does not revoke) a release agreement satisfactory to the Company and (iv) the Grantee executes and delivers a non-competition agreement satisfactory to the Company (as the Committee or its delegee may require), a pro-rata portion of the RSUs, as determined in accordance with Section 5 below, shall be eligible for vesting to the extent the Performance Goals are achieved. Settlement of any of such vested RSUs will occur in accordance with Section 2 above, unless otherwise provided in Section 9(a) or (b) below. If the Grantee executes and delivers a non-competition agreement, and then violates the provisions of that agreement, the Company may seek to administratively or judicially enforce the covenants under the non-competition agreement and any failure to enforce that right does not waive that right.

(ii) Termination of Employment After Attaining Age 60 with 20 or More Years of Service . If the Grantee terminates employment (other than for Cause) after attaining age 60 with 20 years or more of Affiliate Service and the Grantee executes and delivers (and does not revoke) a release agreement satisfactory to the Company, a pro-rata portion of the RSUs, as determined in accordance with Section 5 below, shall be eligible for vesting to the extent the Performance Goals are achieved. Settlement of any of such vested RSUs will occur in accordance with Section 2 above, unless otherwise provided in Section 9(a) or (b) below.

(e) Termination on Account of Special Circumstances or Disaffiliation . If the Grantee has a Termination of Employment due to Special Circumstances or a Disaffiliation and (i) the Grantee’s combined age and years of Affiliate Service is equal to or greater than 48 and (ii) the Grantee executes and delivers (and does not revoke) a release agreement satisfactory to the Company, a pro-rata portion of the RSUs, as determined in accordance with Section 5 below, shall be eligible for vesting to the extent the Performance Goals are achieved. Settlement of any of such vested RSUs will occur in accordance with Section 2 above, unless otherwise provided in Section 9(a) or (b) below.

 

3


(f) Any Other Reason . If the Grantee has a Termination of Employment for a reason other than those specified in Sections 4(a)-(e) above, all unvested RSUs shall be immediately forfeited.

5. Pro-Rata Vesting Formula . The number of RSUs that shall vest on a pro-rata basis upon the Grantee’s Termination of Employment in accordance with Section 4 above is the number of RSUs determined to have been earned based on achievement of the Performance Goals (“ Number of Earned RSUs ”) multiplied by the number of months (counting partial months as whole months) from the Grant Date through the date of the Grantee’s Termination of Employment, divided by the total number of months between the Grant Date and the Vesting Date, as is illustrated below:

Number of Earned RSUs x Number of Months Worked in Vesting Period

 

Total Number of Months in Vesting Period (36 months)

Any fractional share amount determined upon application of the above formula will be rounded up to the next whole share.

6. Responsibility for Taxes .

(a) Grantee’s Liability for Tax-Related Items . Regardless of any action the Company or the Grantee’s employer (the “ Employer ”) takes with respect to any or all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, payment on account or other tax-related withholding (“ Tax-Related Items ”), the Grantee acknowledges that the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items is and remains the Grantee’s responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the Company or the Employer. The Grantee further acknowledges that the Company and/or the Employer (i) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the RSUs, including the grant, vesting or settlement of the RSUs, the subsequent sale of any shares of Stock acquired as a result of such settlement and/or the receipt of any dividends after settlement; and (ii) do not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the RSUs to reduce or eliminate the Grantee’s liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. Furthermore, if the Grantee has become subject to Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction between the Grant Date and the date of any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, the Grantee acknowledges that the Company and/or the Employer (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction.

(b) Tax-Related Items Withholding Procedures . The Grantee authorizes the use of the withholding procedures set forth below in this subsection (b) to satisfy all Tax-Related Items obligations of the Company and/or the Employer that may arise upon the vesting of the RSUs or any other taxable or tax withholding event. In the event that any amount of such Tax-Related Items cannot be satisfied by the means set forth in this subsection (b), the Grantee shall be required to pay such amount to the Company or the Employer. The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver the shares of Stock or the cash equivalent (if applicable) if the Grantee fails to comply with his or her obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items. Further, the Company may withhold or account for Tax-Related Items by considering applicable minimum statutory withholding amounts or other applicable withholding rates.

(i) Stock Settlement . If the RSUs are settled in shares of Stock and the Grantee is not subject to the short-swing profit rules of Section 16(b) of the 1934 Act, the Grantee

 

4


authorizes the Company to satisfy the obligations with regard to all Tax-Related Items by withholding in shares of Stock to be issued upon settlement of the RSUs. Alternatively, or in addition, the Grantee authorizes the Company and/or the Employer, or their respective agents, at their discretion, to satisfy the obligations with regard to Tax-Related Items by one or a combination of the following: (A) withholding from proceeds of the sale of shares of Stock acquired upon settlement of the RSUs, either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on the Grantee’s behalf pursuant to this authorization); or (B) withholding from the Grantee’s wages or other cash compensation paid to the Grantee by the Company and/or the Employer. If the RSUs are settled in shares of Stock and the Grantee is subject to the short-swing profit rules of Section 16(b) of the 1934 Act, the Company will withhold in shares of Stock upon the relevant tax withholding event, unless the use of such withholding method is prevented by applicable law or has materially adverse accounting or tax consequences, in which case, the Tax-Related Items withholding obligation may be satisfied by one or a combination of methods (A) and (B) above.

If the obligation for Tax-Related Items is satisfied by withholding in shares of Stock, for tax purposes, the Grantee is deemed to have been issued the full number of shares of Stock subject to the vested RSUs, notwithstanding that a number of the shares of Stock are held back solely for the purpose of paying the applicable Tax-Related Items.

(ii) Cash Settlement . If the RSUs are settled in cash, the Grantee authorizes the Company and/or the Employer, or their respective agents, at their discretion, to satisfy any obligation for Tax-Related Items by withholding from the cash amount paid to the Grantee in settlement of the RSUs, or from the Grantee’s wages or other cash compensation paid to the Grantee by the Company and/or the Employer.

7. Change in Control.

(a) Treatment of RSUs Upon a Change in Control . In the event of a Change in Control, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Performance Goals requirement will be waived and 100% of the Target Award will immediately vest and be settled at such time or within 60 days after the Change in Control if (i) after such Change in Control, the Stock ceases to be publicly-traded and (ii) the Grantee does not receive Replacement Awards. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Change in Control does not qualify as a change in control for purposes of Code Section 409A, any RSUs held by a U.S. Taxpayer will be settled within 90 days following the earliest of (A) the Vesting Date; (B) the Grantee’s Termination of Employment (or the date that is six months after the Grantee’s Termination of Employment if the Grantee is a Specified Employee, as defined in Section 9(b) below) or (C) the Grantee’s death or “disability” within the meaning of Code Section 409A.

(b) Termination After Change in Control . If the immediate vesting described in the preceding paragraph does not apply, but the Company or a Subsidiary terminates the Grantee’s employment for any reason other than Cause within two years following the Change in Control, the Performance Goals requirement will be waived and 100% of the Target Award will immediately vest and be settled within 90 days of Termination of Employment in accordance with Section 2 above, unless otherwise provided in Section 9(b) below.

8. Settlement Upon Death of the Grantee . In any case under this Agreement in which the RSUs are to be settled following the Grantee’s death, the shares of Stock or cash due in settlement of the RSUs shall be issued to (i) the Grantee’s personal representative or the person to whom the RSUs are transferred by will or the applicable laws of descent and distribution, (ii) the Grantee’s beneficiary designated in accordance with Section 8 of the Plan, or (iii) the then-acting trustee of the trust described in Section 8(b) of the Plan.

 

5


9. Code Section 409A .

(a) Settlement Conditioned upon Termination Requirements . Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary (but except as provided in Section 9(b) hereof), in the event that (i) the vesting and settlement of RSUs in connection with a Termination of Employment is conditioned on the Grantee’s execution and delivery of a release or a non-competition agreement and (ii) the settlement period commences in one calendar year and ends in the next calendar year (where the portion of the settlement period in the next calendar year contains at least one business day), the RSUs held by a U.S. Taxpayer will be settled in the second calendar year.

(b) Specified Employee Termination of Employment . Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Grantee is a U.S. Taxpayer and a specified employee under the Company’s Specified Key Employee Policy (Grantees meeting both criteria are referred to herein as “ Specified Employees ”) on the date of the Grantee’s Termination of Employment, any settlement of the RSUs that the Grantee is entitled to receive under this Agreement upon Termination of Employment will be made as follows:

(i) Settlement Due to Termination Pursuant to Section 4 . If the Grantee’s Termination of Employment is covered by (1) Section 4(c) and the Grantee’s Disability does not constitute a “disability” for purposes of Code Section 409A, or (2) Sections 4(d) or 4(e), the RSUs will be settled within 90 days following the earliest of (A) the Vesting Date, (B) the date that is six months after the Grantee’s Termination of Employment and (C) the Grantee’s death. For avoidance of doubt, if the Grantee’s Termination of Employment is covered by Section 4(c) and the Grantee’s Disability does constitute a “disability” for purposes of Code Section 409A, then the Grantee’s vested RSUs will be settled within 90 days of the Grantee’s Termination of Employment.

(ii) Settlement Due to Termination After Change in Control . If the Grantee’s Termination of Employment is covered by Section 7(b), the RSUs will be settled within 90 days following the earliest of (A) the Vesting Date, (B) the date that is six months after the Grantee’s Termination of Employment and (C) the Grantee’s death or “disability” within the meaning of Code Section 409A.

(c) No Company Liability . All RSUs granted hereunder are intended to be compliant with Code Section 409A, and shall be interpreted, construed and operated to reflect this intent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement and the Plan may be amended at any time, without the consent of any party, to the extent that is necessary or desirable to satisfy any of the requirements under Code Section 409A, but the Company shall not be under any obligation to make any such amendment. Nothing in this Agreement or the Plan shall provide a basis for any person to take action against the Company or any Subsidiary based on matters covered by Code Section 409A, including the tax treatment of any amount paid or RSUs granted under this Agreement, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall under any circumstances have any liability to the Grantee or his or her estate or any other party for any taxes, penalties or interest due on amounts paid or payable under this Agreement, including taxes, penalties or interest imposed under Code Section 409A.

 

6


10. Repayment/Forfeiture . Any benefits the Grantee may receive hereunder shall be subject to repayment or forfeiture as may be required to comply with (i) any applicable listing standards of a national securities exchange adopted in accordance with Section 954 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (regarding recovery of erroneously awarded compensation) and any implementing rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission adopted thereunder, (ii) similar rules under the laws of any other jurisdiction and (iii) any policies adopted by the Company to implement such requirements, all to the extent determined by the Company in its discretion to be applicable to the Grantee .

11. No Employment or Service Contract . Nothing in this Agreement or in the Plan shall confer upon the Grantee any right to continue in the employ of the Company or any Subsidiary for any period of specific duration or interfere with or restrict in any way the right of the Company or any Subsidiary, which is hereby expressly reserved, to remove, terminate or discharge the Grantee at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without Cause and with or without advance notice.

12. Governing Law . The RSUs are governed by, and subject to, United States federal and Illinois state law (without regard to the conflict of law provisions) and the requirements of the New York Stock Exchange as well as the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan and this Agreement.

13. Electronic Delivery and Acceptance . The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to current or future participation in the Plan by electronic means and/or require the Grantee to accept any future restricted stock unit grant by electronic means. The Grantee hereby consents to receive such documents by electronic delivery and, if required by the Company, agrees to accept any future grant of restricted stock units through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company.

14. Severability . The provisions of this Agreement are severable and if any one or more provisions are determined to be illegal or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless be binding and enforceable.

15. Waiver . The waiver by the Company with respect to compliance of any provision of this Agreement by the Grantee shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement, or of any subsequent breach of such party of a provision of this Agreement.

16. Headings . The headings in this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only, and are to be ignored in any construction of the provisions of this Agreement.

17. Appendices . The Appendices constitute part of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the provisions in this Agreement, the RSUs shall be subject to any special terms and conditions set forth in the Appendices to this Agreement.

< Signature Page Follows >

 

7


B Y ACCEPTING THE RSU S , THE G RANTEE AGREES TO THE TERMS OF THIS A GREEMENT AND THE P LAN .

 

         BY:

 

 

         PRINT NAME:

 

 

         DATE:

 

 

 

8


APPENDIX A

 

 

9


APPENDIX B

Power of Attorney

This Appendix B to the Agreement is a Power of Attorney Grantee authorizes by participating in the Plan. Certain capitalized terms used but not defined in this Appendix B have the meanings set forth in the Agreement (including the Appendices) or the Plan.

I hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint the Corporate Secretary and each Assistant Corporate Secretary of McDonald’s Corporation as my true and lawful attorney-in-fact (“ Attorney ”) with full power and authority and full power of substitution and resubstitution, to take in my name and on my behalf any and all actions necessary or desirable to meet any withholding obligation for Tax-Related Items as contemplated by the Agreement, including any and all of the following actions:

 

  (i) To sell in my name and on my behalf such number of shares of the common stock of McDonald’s I acquire at vesting to the extent that McDonald’s, in its sole discretion, determines that such sale is necessary and/or advisable in connection with tax withholding requirements under local law and/or regulations as a result of the vesting of any RSUs and to pay in my name and on my behalf my proportionate share of any lawful dealer’s commission or discount and related expenses of such sale;

 

  (ii) To direct in my name and on my behalf the payment to McDonald’s of the proceeds of such sale (net of any brokerage commissions) to the extent that McDonald’s, in its sole discretion, determines is necessary and/or advisable in order to satisfy and discharge any such withholding obligation, with any excess to be returned to me by depositing the same in my Merrill Lynch account; and

 

  (iii) To execute such agreements and other documents and to take such other and further actions as may be necessary or desirable, as determined by the Attorney, to effectuate the foregoing.

This Power of Attorney is an agency coupled with an interest and all authority conferred hereby shall be irrevocable and shall not be terminated by me or by operation of law, whether by my death or incapacity or by the occurrence of any other event or events. If, after the execution hereof and prior to the vesting of the RSUs, I should die or become incapacitated, actions taken by the Attorney hereunder and under the Agreement shall be as valid as if such death or incapacity had not occurred, regardless of whether the Attorney or McDonald’s has received notice of such death or incapacity.

To induce any transfer agent or other third party to act, I hereby agree that any transfer agent or other third party receiving a duly executed copy or facsimile of this Power of Attorney may act upon it. I for myself and for my heirs, executors, legal representatives and assigns hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless any such transfer agent or other third party from and against any and all claims that may arise against such transfer agent or other third party by reason of such transfer agent or third party having relied on this Power of Attorney.

This Power of Attorney shall automatically terminate (without affecting any lawful action taken hereunder, which shall survive such termination) immediately upon the satisfaction and discharge of all withholding obligations for Tax-Related Items in connection with any RSUs to me under the Plan.

 

10


The Attorney shall be entitled to act and rely upon any representation, warranty, agreement, statement, request, notice or instruction respecting this Power of Attorney given by me, not only as to the authorization, validity and effectiveness thereof, but also as to the truth and accuracy of information therein contained. I agree that the Attorney assumes no responsibility or liability to any person, including me, other than to direct the transactions expressly contemplated hereby. I also agree that the Attorney makes no representation about, and has no responsibility for, any aspect of the Plan or the RSUs, and the Attorney shall not be liable for any error of judgment, for any act done or omitted or for any mistake of fact or law except for the Attorney’s own willful misconduct, gross negligence or bad faith.

This Power of Attorney shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to any otherwise applicable conflicts of law or choice of law principles.

 

11

Exhibit (10)(l)(ii)

SECOND AMENDMENT

OF

McDONALD’S CORPORATION SEVERANCE PLAN

The McDonald’s Corporation Severance Plan (the “Plan”), as adopted effective January 1, 2008, and as subsequently amended, is hereby further amended, effective upon execution, as set for the below:

I.

By substituting the following for the first sentence of Article VIII of the Plan:

The Plan shall be administered by the Plan Administrator, which shall be a Committee consisting of three (3) or more officers of McDonald’s Corporation or McDonald’s USA, LLC appointed by the Chief Executive Officer of McDonald’s Corporation. The Chief Executive Office of McDonald’s Corporation shall also designate one member of the Committee to serve as the Chair of the Committee.

II.

By substituting the following for Article X of the Plan:

ARTICLE X.

Amendment and Termination

McDonald’s Corporation reserves the right to amend the Plan from time to time or to terminate the Plan; provided, however, that no such amendment or termination shall reduce the amount of Severance Benefits payable to any Qualifying Employee whose Termination Date has already occurred, who has signed and not revoked or rescinded a Release Agreement required by Section 6.1, and who has completed all other applicable paperwork on or before the effective date of such amendment or termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Plan Administrator may amend or modify the terms of the Plan hereunder (i) to the extent necessary or advisable to comply with or obtain the benefits or advantages under the provisions of applicable law, regulations or rulings or requirements of the Internal Revenue Service or other governmental agency or of changes in such law, regulations, rulings or requirements (including, without limitation, any amendment necessary to comply with or secure an exemption from Section 409A of the Code) or (ii) to adopt any other procedural or cosmetic amendment that does not materially change the benefits to Qualifying Employees or materially increase the cost of the benefits provided hereunder. No person may amend this Plan in a manner that would subject any Covered Employee to taxation of his or her Severance Pay or any other Severance Benefits under Section 409A(a)(1) of the Code.

III.

Except as herein amended, the Plan shall remain in full force and effect.

Executed in multiple originals this 5th day of December, 2011.

 

McDONALD’S CORPORATION
By   /s/    Gloria Santona        
  Gloria Santona
Its:   Corporate Executive Vice President,
  General Counsel and Secretary

 

and  
By   /s/    Richard Floersch        
  Richard Floersch
Its:   Corporate Executive Vice President
  and Chief Human Resources Officer

Exhibit 12.  Computation of Ratios

 

 

 

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

 

 

 

Dollars in millions    Years ended December 31,  2011      2010      2009      2008      2007  

Earnings available for fixed charges

              

Income from continuing operations before provision for Income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting changes

     $8,012.2         $7,000.3         $6,487.0         $6,158.0         $3,572.1 (1)  

Noncontrolling interest expense in operating results of majority-owned subsidiaries, including fixed charges related to redeemable preferred stock, less equity in undistributed operating results of less than 50%-owned affiliates

     13.3         10.4         7.5         10.7         7.2   

Income tax provision (benefit) of 50%-owned affiliates included in income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes

     65.5         28.7         47.7         30.0         22.4   

Portion of rent charges (after reduction for rental income from subleased properties) considered to be representative of interest factors*

     339.4         315.4         302.8         321.3         312.8   

Interest expense, amortization of debt discount and issuance costs, and depreciation of capitalized interest*

     520.5         479.1         504.5         556.8         442.7   
       $8,950.9         $7,833.9         $7,349.5         $7,076.8         $4,357.2   

Fixed charges

              

Portion of rent charges (after reduction for rental income from subleased properties) considered to be representative of interest factors*

     $   339.4         $   315.4         $   302.8         $   321.3         $   312.8   

Interest expense, amortization of debt discount and issuance costs, and fixed charges related to redeemable preferred stock*

     503.0         461.5         486.9         539.7         425.9   

Capitalized interest*

     14.0         12.0         11.9         12.5         7.0   
       $   856.4         $   788.9         $   801.6         $   873.5         $   745.7   

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

     10.45         9.93         9.17         8.10         5.84   

 

* Includes amounts of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries, and one-half of the amounts of 50%-owned affiliates. The Company records interest expense on unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes. This interest is not included in the computation of fixed charges.

 

(1) Includes pretax charges of $1.7 billion primarily related to impairment in connection with the 2007 Latin America developmental license transaction.

Return on Average Assets

 

 

 

Dollars in millions    Years ended December 31,  2011     2010     2009  

Operating income

     $  8,529.7        $  7,473.1        $  6,841.0   

Average assets (1)

     $32,861.1        $30,294.9        $29,249.0   

Return on average assets

     26.0     24.7     23.4

 

(1) Represents the average of the month-end balances of total assets for the past 13 months.

Return on Average Common Equity

 

 

 

Dollars in millions    Years ended December 31,  2011     2010     2009  

Net income

     $  5,503.1        $  4,946.3        $  4,551.0   

Shareholder’s equity (1)

     $14,585.4        $14,021.9        $13,376.2   

Return on average common equity

     37.7     35.3     34.0

 

(1) Represents the average of the month-end balances of shareholder’s equity for the past 13 months.

Fixed-rate Debt as a Percent of Total Debt

 

 

 

Dollars in millions    Years ended December 31,  2011     2010     2009  

Total debt obligations

     $12,500.4        $11,505.3        $10,578.4   

Fair value adjustments (1)

     55.9        77.4        79.6   

Debt obligations before fair value adjustments

     $12,444.5        $11,427.9        $10,498.8   

Fixed-rate debt (2)

     $  8,562.3        $  7,546.5        $  7,184.6   

Fixed-rate debt as a percent of total debt

     69     66     68

 

(1) Reflects adjustments to the carrying value of debt obligations related to fair value hedges. These adjustments are excluded as they do not affect the amount of obligations at maturity. See Debt financing note to the consolidated financial statements.

 

(2) Includes the effect of interest rate swaps.


Foreign Currency-denominated Debt as a Percent of Total Debt

 

 

 

Dollars in millions    Years ended December 31,  2011     2010     2009  

Total debt obligations

     $12,500.4        $11,505.3        $10,578.4   

Fair value adjustments (1)

     55.9        77.4        79.6   

Debt obligations before fair value adjustments

     $12,444.5        $11,427.9        $10,498.8   

Foreign currency-denominated debt

     $  5,005.3        $  4,719.9        $  4,521.2   

Foreign currency-denominated debt as a percent of total debt

     40     41     43

 

(1) Reflects adjustments to the carrying value of debt obligations related to fair value hedges. These adjustments are excluded as they do not affect the amount of obligations at maturity. See Debt financing note to the consolidated financial statements.

Total Debt as a Percent of Total Capitalization

 

 

 

Dollars in millions    Years ended December 31,  2011     2010     2009  

Total debt obligations

     $12,500.4        $11,505.3        $10,578.4   

Fair value adjustments (1)

     55.9        77.4        79.6   

Debt obligations before fair value adjustments

     $12,444.5        $11,427.9        $10,498.8   

Total capitalization (2)

     $26,834.7        $26,062.1        $24,532.7   

Total debt as a percent of total capitalization

     46     44     43

 

(1) Reflects adjustments to the carrying value of debt obligations related to fair value hedges. These adjustments are excluded as they do not affect the amount of obligations at maturity. See Debt financing note to the consolidated financial statements.

 

(2) Total capitalization represents debt obligations before fair value adjustments and total shareholders’ equity.

Cash Provided by Operations as a Percent of Total Debt

 

 

 

Dollars in millions    Years ended December 31,  2011     2010     2009  

Total debt

     $12,500.4        $11,505.3        $10,578.4   

Fair value adjustments (1)

     55.9        77.4        79.6   

Debt obligations before fair value adjustments

     $12,444.5        $11,427.9        $10,498.8   

Cash provided by operations

     $  7,150.1        $  6,341.6        $  5,751.0   

Cash provided by operations as a percent of total debt

     57     55     55

 

(1) Reflects adjustments to the carrying value of debt obligations related to fair value hedges. These adjustments are excluded as they do not affect the amount of obligations at maturity. See Debt financing note to the consolidated financial statements.

Return on Incremental Invested Capital (ROIIC)

 

 

 

See Part II, Item 7, page 25 of this Form 10-K for the calculation.

Exhibit 21.   Subsidiaries of the Registrant

 

 

Name of Subsidiary [State or Country of Incorporation]

Domestic Subsidiaries

McD Asia Pacific, LLC [Delaware]

McDonald’s Deutschland, Inc. [Delaware]

McDonald’s Development Italy, Inc. [Delaware]

McDonald’s International Property Company, Ltd. [Delaware]

McDonald’s Real Estate Company [Delaware]

McDonald’s Restaurant Operations Inc. [Delaware]

McDonald’s USA, LLC [Delaware]

Foreign Subsidiaries

Closed Joint Stock Company “Moscow-McDonald’s” [Russia]

Golden Arches Finance of Canada L.P. [Canada]

Golden Arches Restaurants Sdn. Bhd. [Malaysia]

Guangdong Sanyuan McDonald’s Food Company Limited [China]*

HanGook McDonald’s Co. Ltd. [South Korea]

McKim Corporation [South Korea]

Klinger Grundstücksverwaltungsgesellschaft m.b.H. [Austria]

Limited Liability Company “McDonald’s” [Russia]

McD APMEA Holdings Pte. Ltd. [Singapore]

McD Europe Franchising S.à r.l. [Luxembourg]

McDonald’s Australia Limited [Australia]

McDonald’s Beteiligungs GmbH [Germany]

McDonald’s Danmark ApS [Denmark]

McDonald’s France, S.A.S. [France]

McDonald’s Franchise G.m.b.H. [Austria]

McDonald’s Gesellschaft m.b.H. [Austria]

McDonald’s GmbH [Germany]

McDonald’s Grundstücksholding GmbH [Germany]

McDonald’s Immobilien GmbH [Germany]

McDonald’s Liegenschaftsverwaltungs Gesellschaft m.b.H. [Austria]

McDonald’s Nederland B.V. [Netherlands]

McDonald’s Norge A/S [Norway]

McDonald’s Polska Sp. z o.o [Poland]

McDonald’s Real Estate LLP [United Kingdom]

McDonald’s Restaurants (Hong Kong) Limited [Hong Kong]

McDonald’s Restaurants (New Zealand) Limited [New Zealand]

McDonald’s Restaurants (Shenzhen) Company Limited [China]

McDonald’s Restaurants (Taiwan) Co., Ltd. [Taiwan]

McDonald’s Restaurants Limited [United Kingdom]

McDonald’s Restaurants Pte. Ltd. [Singapore]

McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada Limited [Canada]

McDonald’s Suisse Development Sàrl [Switzerland]

McDonald’s Suisse Franchise Sàrl [Switzerland]

McDonald’s Suisse Holding Sàrl [Switzerland]

McDonald’s Suisse Restaurants Sàrl [Switzerland]

Restaurantes McDonald’s, S.A. [Spain]

Sistemas McDonald’s Portugal Lda [Portugal]

Svenska McDonald’s AB [Sweden]

Zero Five AS [Norway]

 

 

The names of certain subsidiaries have been omitted because they do not constitute significant subsidiaries. These include, but are not limited to: McDonald’s APMEA, LLC [Delaware]; McDonald’s Europe, Inc. [Delaware]; McDonald’s International, LLC [Delaware]; McDonald’s Latin America, LLC [Delaware]; and other domestic and foreign, direct and indirect subsidiaries of the registrant.

 

[    ] Brackets indicate state or country of incorporation and do not form part of corporate name.

 

* This subsidiary is not wholly owned by the registrant.

Exhibit 23.  Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements of McDonald’s Corporation (listed below) and in the related prospectuses of our reports dated February 24, 2012 with respect to the consolidated financial statements of McDonald’s Corporation and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of McDonald’s Corporation, included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

  Commission File No. for Registration Statements  
  FORM S-8       FORM S-3  
  33-09267     333-162182  
  333-36778      
  333-71656      
  333-115770      
  333-149990      
  333-177314          
ERNST & YOUNG LLP      

Chicago, Illinois

February 24, 2012

Exhibit 24.  Power of Attorney

 

 

Power of Attorney

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being a director or officer, or both, of McDonald’s Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), hereby constitutes and appoints Peter J. Bensen, Denise A. Horne, Kevin M. Ozan and Gloria Santona, and each one of them, as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to execute any and all amendments to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission by the Company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each one of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any one of them, or their or his or her substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

This Power of Attorney may be signed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney on and as of the 24th day of February, 2012.

 

/s/    Susan E. Arnold              /s/    Cary D. McMillan        
Susan E. Arnold      Cary D. McMillan
Director      Director
/s/    Peter J. Bensen              /s/    Kevin M. Ozan        
Peter J. Bensen      Kevin M. Ozan
Corporate Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer      Corporate Senior Vice President - Controller
/s/    Robert A. Eckert              /s/    Sheila A. Penrose        
Robert A. Eckert      Sheila A. Penrose
Director      Director
/s/    Enrique Hernandez, Jr.              /s/    John W. Rogers, Jr.        
Enrique Hernandez, Jr.      John W. Rogers, Jr.
Director      Director
       /s/    James A. Skinner        
Jeanne P. Jackson      James A. Skinner
Director      Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director
/s/    Richard H. Lenny              /s/    Roger W. Stone        
Richard H. Lenny      Roger W. Stone
Director      Director
/s/    Walter E. Massey              /s/    Donald Thompson        
Walter E. Massey      Donald Thompson
Director      President, Chief Operating Officer and Director
/s/    Andrew J. McKenna              /s/    Miles D. White        
Andrew J. McKenna      Miles D. White
Chairman of the Board and Director      Director

Exhibit 31.1.  Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer

 

 

I, James A. Skinner, certify that:

 

(1) I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of McDonald’s Corporation;

 

(2) Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

(3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

(4) The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

(5) The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: February 24, 2012     /s/    James A. Skinner        
    James A. Skinner
    Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 31.2.  Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer

 

 

I, Peter J. Bensen, certify that:

 

(1) I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of McDonald’s Corporation;

 

(2) Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

(3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

(4) The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

(5) The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 24, 2012

 

    /s/    Peter J. Bensen        
    Peter J. Bensen
   

Corporate Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 32.1.  Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 by the Chief Executive Officer, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), the undersigned officer of McDonald’s Corporation (the “Company”), does hereby certify, to such officer’s knowledge, that the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 of the Company fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: February 24, 2012

 

    /s/    James A. Skinner        
    James A. Skinner
    Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 32.2.  Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 by the Chief Financial Officer, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), the undersigned officer of McDonald’s Corporation (the “Company”), does hereby certify, to such officer’s knowledge, that the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 of the Company fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

Date: February 24, 2012     /s/    Peter J. Bensen        
    Peter J. Bensen
   

Corporate Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer