What is the main purpose of this 8-K filing?

The main purpose of this 8-K filing is to officially submit McDonald's Corporation's investor release and supplemental financial information for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2010, to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). It ensures these results are formally part of the public record.

Does this 8-K contain any new or unexpected financial information?

No, this 8-K filing primarily serves to furnish previously released financial results. The investor release and supplemental information were likely issued by McDonald's prior to this filing, and the 8-K is the mechanism for making them official SEC filings.

What does "filed" vs. "furnished" mean in the context of this 8-K?

In this filing, the information under Item 2.02 (Results of Operations and Financial Condition), including the exhibits, is stated to be "deemed to be ‘filed’ for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934." This means the content is subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, unlike information that is merely "furnished," which generally carries no such liability.

MCD 8-K: Earnings & Results

Q: Where can I find the detailed financial results announced in this filing?

The detailed financial results are found in the exhibits attached to this 8-K filing. Specifically, Exhibit 99.1 is the investor release titled "McDonald’s Delivers Another Year of Strong Results in 2010," and Exhibit 99.2 is the "Supplemental Information, Quarter and Year Ended December 31, 2010."

Summary

McDonald's Corporation filed an 8-K report on January 24, 2011, to announce its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2010. The filing primarily serves to furnish the investor release and supplemental financial information, which detail the company's performance during the period. Investors should note that this 8-K does not contain new operational disclosures or strategic changes but rather officially submits previously released financial data to the SEC. The attached investor release, titled "McDonald’s Delivers Another Year of Strong Results in 2010," indicates a positive financial outcome for the year. The supplemental information provides further granularity on the quarterly and annual figures. While the specific metrics are detailed in the referenced exhibits, the overarching theme of the filing is the reporting of solid financial performance for McDonald's in 2010, building on its established business model and market position.

Key Highlights

1McDonald's Corporation officially filed its fourth quarter and full-year 2010 financial results via an 8-K on January 24, 2011.
2The filing incorporates by reference an investor release (Exhibit 99.1) titled "McDonald’s Delivers Another Year of Strong Results in 2010."
3Supplemental financial information for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2010, is also included as Exhibit 99.2.
4The report confirms the company's financial performance for the period, as previously communicated to investors.
5This 8-K serves as a formal submission of the earnings results to the SEC, rather than announcing new material information.
6Kevin M. Ozan, Corporate Senior Vice President – Controller, signed the filing on behalf of the company.

MCDONALDS CORP 8-K Report, Financial Results (Jan 24, 2011)

Summary

Key Highlights

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