10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2001

MCDONALDS CORP Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2001

Filed November 9, 2001For Securities:MCD

Summary

McDonald's Corporation's third-quarter 2001 report shows a slight decrease in net income of 1% to $545.5 million compared to the prior year, resulting in diluted earnings per share of $0.42, a 2% increase. This performance was impacted by significant one-time items, including a $137.1 million gain from the McDonald's Japan IPO and $84.1 million in charges related to underperforming restaurant closures and technology write-offs. Excluding these items, the company's operational performance shows resilience, with constant currency net income increasing by 3% for the quarter. Total revenues grew by 3% to $3.88 billion, driven by a 4% increase in sales at Company-operated restaurants and a 2% rise in revenues from franchised and affiliated restaurants. However, operating income declined by 18% year-over-year (16% in constant currency) due to increased operating costs and expenses, particularly in Company-operated restaurants. Despite global economic weakness and negative comparable sales in some regions, the company is actively managing its portfolio by closing underperforming stores and investing in future growth initiatives, including technology improvements. Management forecasts fourth-quarter earnings per share in the range of $0.34 to $0.36 (constant currency) and anticipates a special charge in the fourth quarter for restructuring and efficiency improvements, with expected annual savings of $100 million beginning in 2002.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income for the third quarter decreased by 1% to $545.5 million, while diluted EPS increased by 2% to $0.42.
  • 2Total revenues increased by 3% to $3.88 billion, driven by Company-operated restaurant sales growth.
  • 3Operating income decreased by 18% (16% in constant currency) to $746.6 million, impacted by higher operating costs and expenses.
  • 4A $137.1 million gain from the McDonald's Japan IPO and $84.1 million in charges for restaurant closures and technology write-offs significantly affected quarterly results.
  • 5Systemwide sales grew 1% as reported and 4% in constant currency, with positive contributions from the U.S. and Europe, though Asia/Pacific and Latin America faced challenges.
  • 6The company repurchased approximately $914 million of its common stock in the first nine months of 2001 and announced a new $5 billion repurchase program.
  • 7McDonald's anticipates a $175-$200 million pre-tax special charge in Q4 2001 for change initiatives, expecting to achieve $100 million in annual SG&A savings from 2002 onwards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Operating income decreased by 18% ($150.2 million) primarily due to higher operating costs and expenses, which rose by 10% in total. This included increases in Company-operated restaurant costs, franchised restaurant occupancy costs, and selling, general, and administrative expenses. Additionally, a significant reduction in 'Other operating income (expense), net' also contributed to the decline.

The Initial Public Offering (IPO) of McDonald's Japan on July 26, 2001, resulted in McDonald's Corporation recording a pre-tax and after-tax gain of $137.1 million. This gain was recognized in non-operating income and reflects an increase in the carrying value of the company's investment due to the IPO proceeds received by McDonald's Japan.

For the fourth quarter of 2001, McDonald's expects earnings per share to be between $0.34 and $0.36 in constant currencies, excluding an anticipated special charge. Looking ahead to 2002, the company aims for a 5% to 10% increase in net income per common share, again excluding foreign currency translation and the impact of the fourth quarter 2001 special charge.

McDonald's expects to record a pre-tax special charge of $175 million to $200 million in the fourth quarter of 2001 to fund various change initiatives aimed at preparing the company for future growth. This charge will primarily cover employee severance and outplacement costs, consolidation of facilities, and related expenses, impacting an estimated 500 to 700 field and home office positions. The company anticipates significant annual selling, general, and administrative savings of approximately $100 million starting in 2002 as a result of these initiatives.