10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2006

MCDONALDS CORP Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2006

Filed November 3, 2006For Securities:MCD

Summary

McDonald's Corporation reported strong financial results for the third quarter and the first nine months of 2006, driven by consistent growth across its global segments. Total revenues increased by 10% and 9% for the respective periods, with global comparable sales showing a healthy 5.8% and 5.5% rise, demonstrating the effectiveness of their "Plan to Win" strategy. The company saw improved operating margins in both franchised and company-operated restaurants worldwide, indicating operational efficiencies and successful marketing initiatives. Net income and diluted earnings per share also saw significant year-over-year increases, reflecting the company's ability to translate sales growth into profitability. Further enhancing shareholder value, McDonald's continued its commitment to returning capital through substantial share repurchases and a significant increase in its annual dividend. The company also announced its complete separation from Chipotle Mexican Grill through a tax-free exchange, allowing for a renewed focus on the core McDonald's business. While navigating global economic and regulatory complexities, McDonald's demonstrates robust financial health and a clear strategy for sustained growth.

Key Highlights

  • 1Consolidated revenues grew 10% for the quarter and 9% for the nine months (8% in constant currencies for both periods).
  • 2Global comparable sales increased 5.8% for the quarter and 5.5% for the nine months, indicating strong consumer demand.
  • 3Operating income saw a 12% increase for the quarter and a 9% increase for the nine months, demonstrating improved profitability.
  • 4Net income rose by 15% for both the quarter and the nine-month period, with diluted EPS also showing significant growth.
  • 5The company repurchased $1.8 billion of its stock in the first nine months of 2006 and increased its annual dividend by nearly 50% to $1.00 per share.
  • 6McDonald's completed its separation from Chipotle Mexican Grill, which will be reflected as discontinued operations starting Q4 2006.
  • 7Company-operated and franchised restaurant margins improved across all geographic segments for the third consecutive quarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the third quarter of 2006, McDonald's reported total revenues of $5,882.5 million, a 10% increase compared to $5,327.1 million in the same quarter of 2005. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006, total revenues were $16,555.7 million, up 9% from $15,225.6 million in the prior year's comparable period. These increases were driven by strong global comparable sales and currency translation benefits.

Operating income increased by 12% to $1,303.5 million for the third quarter and by 9% to $3,366.7 million for the first nine months of 2006. Net income also showed robust growth, increasing by 15% to $843.3 million for the quarter and by 15% to $2,302.7 million for the nine-month period. Diluted earnings per share also saw substantial increases, growing to $0.68 for the quarter and $1.83 for the nine months.

McDonald's announced the complete separation from Chipotle Mexican Grill in October 2006 through a tax-free exchange of its remaining Chipotle shares for McDonald's common stock. This transaction is expected to result in a tax-free gain of approximately $500 million in the fourth quarter and will lead to Chipotle's results being presented as discontinued operations for all periods beginning in Q4 2006.

McDonald's remains committed to returning value to shareholders. During the first nine months of 2006, the company repurchased 53.2 million shares for $1.8 billion. Additionally, the annual dividend was increased by nearly 50% to $1.00 per share from $0.67 per share in 2005. The company expects to return at least $10 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases from 2006 through 2008.