10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2002

MCDONALDS CORP Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2002

Filed November 12, 2002For Securities:MCD

Summary

McDonald's Corporation's third-quarter 2002 report shows a mixed financial performance. While total revenues saw a modest increase of 4% year-over-year to $4.05 billion, driven by international expansion and a stronger Euro, net income experienced a significant decline of 11% to $486.7 million. This decrease was largely influenced by a new accounting standard for goodwill, which resulted in a one-time pre-tax charge of $116.2 million ($98.6 million after-tax). Excluding this and other special items, the company's operational performance demonstrated resilience, with operating income rising by 11% to $829.8 million. Investors should note the divergence between reported and constant currency figures, particularly in revenue growth, where foreign currency translation had a positive impact. The company continues to expand its restaurant base, with systemwide sales up 3%, though comparable sales across all segments declined by 3%. Significant investments are planned for existing restaurants in 2003, signaling a strategic shift towards reinvestment. The company also announced a modest increase in its quarterly dividend, reflecting confidence in its financial stability.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues increased by 4% to $4.05 billion for the quarter, driven by international growth and favorable currency translation, particularly the Euro.
  • 2Net income decreased by 11% to $486.7 million, primarily due to a $116.2 million pre-tax charge related to the adoption of SFAS No. 142 (Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets).
  • 3Operating income showed a strong increase of 11% to $829.8 million, indicating underlying operational improvements despite the accounting charge.
  • 4Systemwide sales grew by 3% to $10.91 billion, reflecting continued restaurant expansion globally.
  • 5Comparable sales declined by 3% across all segments, indicating challenges in driving sales at existing stores, particularly in the U.S. and APMEA regions.
  • 6Capital expenditures for nine months were $1.61 billion, with plans to shift focus in 2003 towards reinvestment in existing restaurants rather than new openings.
  • 7The company announced a 4.4% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.235 per share.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary reason for the decline in net income was the adoption of SFAS No. 142, which requires annual goodwill impairment tests instead of amortization. This resulted in a one-time, non-cash charge of $116.2 million ($98.6 million after-tax) in the first quarter of 2002 for cumulative effect of this accounting change, impacting the current period's net income.

Foreign currency translation had a positive impact on reported results, particularly for revenues and operating income in the third quarter, driven by a stronger Euro and British Pound. However, weaker Latin American currencies partially offset these gains. For the nine-month period, the impact on revenues was minimal, but operating income benefited from currency translation.

Comparable sales declined by 3.0% for the quarter and 2.1% for the nine months. This indicates that sales at existing, established restaurants are facing challenges, with negative comparable sales in most regions, including the U.S. and APMEA. This trend suggests that growth is primarily coming from new restaurant openings rather than increased sales at existing locations.

McDonald's plans to spend approximately $1.9 billion on capital expenditures in 2003, a decrease from 2002. A significant portion of this reduction is from fewer new restaurant openings. Instead, the company intends to reallocate approximately $300 million towards reinvesting in existing restaurants, particularly in the U.S., signaling a strategic shift from aggressive expansion to enhancing the performance of its current store base.