10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2003

MCDONALDS CORP Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2003

Filed November 7, 2003For Securities:MCD

Summary

McDonald's Corporation (MCD) reported its third-quarter and nine-month results for the period ending September 30, 2003. The company demonstrated solid top-line growth, with total revenues increasing by 11% year-over-year for the quarter and 9% for the nine-month period on a reported basis. This growth was driven by increases in both company-operated restaurant sales and revenues from franchised and affiliated restaurants, with particular strength noted in the U.S. and Europe segments. Net income saw a significant increase of 12% for the quarter, reaching $547.4 million, and a 9% increase for the nine months, totaling $1,345.7 million. Diluted earnings per share also rose accordingly, reflecting improved profitability and a reduced share count due to share repurchases. Operationally, the company managed its costs effectively, with total operating costs and expenses growing at a slightly lower rate than revenues, leading to a 16% increase in operating income for the quarter. The company continued its strategic initiatives, including investing in new restaurant openings and marketing campaigns like 'i'm lovin' it.' Despite some ongoing challenges in specific international markets like the U.K. and Germany, McDonald's presented a positive financial picture, underscored by robust cash flow from operations and a commitment to returning capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues increased by 11% to $4,504.6 million for the third quarter and by 9% to $12,585.1 million for the first nine months of 2003.
  • 2Net income rose 12% to $547.4 million for the third quarter, and 9% to $1,345.7 million for the first nine months.
  • 3Diluted earnings per share (EPS) increased by 13% to $0.43 for the third quarter and by 9% to $1.05 for the first nine months.
  • 4Operating income showed strong growth, up 16% to $963.9 million for the quarter, benefiting from revenue growth and cost management.
  • 5The U.S. and Europe segments were key drivers of revenue growth, with the U.S. showing a 13% increase in reported revenues for the quarter.
  • 6The company repurchased $139 million of its common stock in the third quarter, contributing to a lower weighted average share count.
  • 7Cash provided by operations was robust at $1,030.2 million for the quarter and $2,268.2 million for the nine months.

Frequently Asked Questions

McDonald's reported a strong third quarter with total revenues increasing by 11% to $4,504.6 million compared to the prior year. Net income also saw a significant increase of 12%, reaching $547.4 million, and diluted earnings per share rose by 13% to $0.43.

Revenue growth was driven by increases in both company-operated restaurant sales (up 11%) and revenues from franchised and affiliated restaurants (up 12%). Geographically, the U.S. and Europe segments showed particular strength, with the U.S. reporting a 13% increase in reported revenues for the quarter.

McDonald's actively returned capital to shareholders. In the third quarter, the company repurchased $139 million of its common stock. For the full year 2003, the company expected to return approximately $500 million through dividends and about $300 million through share repurchases.

Foreign currency translation had a notable impact, particularly a stronger Euro, which positively affected reported revenues and operating income. For the quarter, foreign currency translation provided a benefit of $23.4 million to net income and $0.02 to diluted EPS. For the nine months, the benefit was $83.3 million to net income and $0.06 to diluted EPS.