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MCDONALDS CORP Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2021

Filing Date
Filed February 24, 2022
Period End
December 31, 2021
Security
MCD
In the record · 2016–202610-K1110-Q328-K136

MCD filed 11 annual reports (10-K), 32 quarterly reports (10-Q) and 136 current reports (8-K) between 2016 and 2026.

  1. Leadership change8-K · Feb ’21Feb ’21
  2. Leadership change8-K · Aug ’26Aug ’26

Summary

Summary of the 10-K filed February 24, 2022. Cited figures are marked; the original filing is the authoritative source.

McDonald's Corporation's 2021 Form 10-K highlights a strong recovery and growth following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company reported significant increases in consolidated revenues, operating income, and diluted earnings per share, driven by robust comparable sales growth across all segments, particularly in the U.S. and International Operated Markets. The "Accelerating the Arches" growth strategy, with its focus on maximizing marketing, committing to core menu items, and doubling down on digital, delivery, and drive-thru channels, appears to be effectively driving business performance. The company demonstrated a strong commitment to returning capital to shareholders through increased dividends and share repurchases, underscoring its financial health and confidence in future cash flows.

Furthermore, McDonald's continues to prioritize its people and communities through various initiatives, including diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and a commitment to environmental sustainability. The heavily franchised business model, with 93%a of restaurants being franchised, provides a stable and predictable revenue stream. The outlook for 2022 remains positive, with expectations for continued Systemwide sales growth driven by new restaurant openings and strategic investments in modernization and digital capabilities.

Key Highlights

  1. Global comparable sales increased by 17.0% in 2021, reflecting a strong recovery and the successful execution of the 'Accelerating the Arches' strategy.
  2. Consolidated revenues grew by 21% to $23.2 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose by 59% to $10.04, demonstrating significant top-line and bottom-line growth.
  3. The 'Accelerating the Arches' strategy focuses on maximizing marketing, core menu offerings, and digital, delivery, and drive-thru (3Ds) capabilities, with digital channels contributing over 25% of Systemwide sales in top markets.
  4. Capital returns to shareholders were substantial, with $4.8 billion returned through share repurchases and dividends in 2021, including a 7% increase in the quarterly dividend.
  5. The company emphasizes its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), with initiatives to increase representation and support for underrepresented groups across the System.
  6. 93% of McDonald's 40,031 restaurants worldwide were franchised as of year-end 2021, indicating a stable and predictable revenue model.
  7. The outlook for 2022 includes projected Systemwide sales growth of 1.5% to 2% (in constant currencies) driven by net restaurant unit expansion.

Financial Statements

FY2021 against FY2020

Line itemFY2021FY2020Change
Revenue$23.22B$19.21B+20.9%
Operating Expenses$12.87B$11.88B+8.3%
Operating Income$10.36B$7.32B+41.4%
Interest Expense$1.19B$1.22B−2.7%
Net Income$7.54B$4.73B+59.5%
EPS (Basic)$10.11$6.35+59.2%
EPS (Diluted)$10.04$6.31+59.1%
Shares Outstanding (Basic)746744.60M−100.0%
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)752750.10M−100.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How did McDonald's perform financially in 2021 compared to 2020?

    McDonald's experienced a strong recovery in 2021, with consolidated revenues increasing 21% to $23.2 billion and diluted earnings per share rising 59% to $10.04. This growth was driven by a 17.0% increase in global comparable sales, a significant rebound from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

  2. What are the key strategic priorities for McDonald's moving forward?

    McDonald's is focused on its 'Accelerating the Arches' growth strategy, which includes maximizing marketing efforts, doubling down on core menu items (especially burgers and chicken), and enhancing its '3D' capabilities: Digital, Delivery, and Drive-Thru. The company is investing heavily in digital tools and loyalty programs to improve the customer experience.

  3. How does McDonald's return capital to shareholders?

    In 2021, McDonald's returned approximately $4.8 billion to shareholders through a combination of dividends and share repurchases. The company increased its quarterly cash dividend per share by 7% and has a consistent history of increasing dividends annually.

  4. What is the company's approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)?

    McDonald's is committed to DEI, aiming to create an inclusive environment and ensure equitable representation and opportunity. Initiatives include improving representation of women and underrepresented groups, a franchisee recruitment program with a $250 million commitment in the U.S. for financing alternatives, and incorporating DEI metrics into executive compensation.