McDonald's(MCD) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report

Restaurant Operations - For the year ended December 31, 2024, McDonald's operated 43,477 restaurants, with approximately 95% being franchised[15]. - The company reported that its revenues consist of sales from company-owned restaurants and fees from franchised restaurants, with a focus on stable and predictable revenue streams[20]. - The company opened over 2,100 new restaurants across the System[63]. - The company opened 2,116 restaurants and closed 461 in 2024, an increase in openings compared to 2023[128]. - As of year-end 2024, the total number of systemwide restaurants increased to 43,477, up from 41,822 in 2023, representing a growth of 3.9%[129]. Financial Performance - Consolidated revenues increased by 2% to $25.9 billion[63]. - Total revenues for 2024 reached$25,920 million, a 2% increase from $25,494 million in 2023[75]. - Net income for 2024 was$8,223 million, reflecting a 3% decrease from $8,469 million in 2023[75]. - Operating income for 2024 was$11.71 billion, a slight increase from $11.65 billion in 2023[80]. - The company incurred pre-tax charges of$290 million related to its Accelerating the Arches growth strategy in 2024[81]. - The effective income tax rate for 2024 was reported at 20.5%, up from 19.5% in 2023[119]. - The Company's total assets decreased by $965 million or 2$38.4 billion, a decrease from $39.3 billion in 2023, with fixed-rate debt remaining at 96$7.7 billion to shareholders in 2024 through dividends and share repurchases, with dividends declared per share increasing to $6.78 from$6.23 in 2023, a 8.8% increase[136][138]. Shareholder Returns - The quarterly cash dividend per share was increased by 6% to $1.77, totaling$7.7 billion returned to shareholders in 2024[63]. - The Company repurchased 10.1 million shares for $2.8 billion in 2024, compared to 11.1 million shares for$3.1 billion in 2023[81]. - The Company has paid dividends on common stock for 49 consecutive years through 2024 and has increased the dividend amount at least once every year[173]. - McDonald's cumulative total shareholder returns increased from $100 at December 31, 2019, to$165 at December 31, 2024, outperforming the S&P 500 Index and Dow Jones Industrials during the same period[171]. Strategic Initiatives - McDonald's aims to enhance its talent development through programs like Hamburger University, which provides training for employees and franchisees[40]. - The company focuses on three strategic outcome areas: Supporting Families, Times of Need, and Opportunity Employment[41]. - McDonald's has established four Impact Areas in its Purpose & Impact strategy: Our Planet, Food Quality & Sourcing, Jobs, Inclusion & Empowerment, and Community Connection[44]. - The company plans to open approximately 2,200 new restaurants globally in 2025, contributing to slightly over 4% new unit growth net of closures[71]. - The company aims to increase its 90-day active loyalty users to 250 million by the end of 2027, with annual Systemwide sales to loyalty members targeted at $45.0 billion[70]. Market and Competitive Environment - The company faces intense competition in the IEO segment and from various non-traditional competitors, which may impact business results[187]. - The company's ability to compete relies on product choice, quality, affordability, service, and location, with no assurance that current strategies will be effective[188]. - Supply chain interruptions and price volatility could adversely affect costs and revenues, influenced by various external factors[196]. - The franchise business model is heavily reliant on the financial success of franchisees, with potential risks if franchisee sales trends worsen[197][198]. - Labor challenges, including availability and cost, could negatively impact operations and customer satisfaction levels[201][202]. Operational Challenges - Food safety concerns, including past incidents, could adversely affect the company's brand and financial results[205]. - The company’s real estate operations are subject to various risks, including governmental regulations and market conditions, which could impact operating results[206][207]. - Increasing regulatory and legal complexity worldwide may adversely affect the company's operations and financial results[211]. Financial Metrics and Projections - In 2024, global comparable sales decreased by 0.1$11.39[63]. - Cash provided by operations was $9.4 billion, a 2$6.7 billion, an 8% decrease from the prior year[63]. - The company expects 2025 operating margin percent to be in the mid-to-high 40% range[71]. - The company expects free cash flow conversion rate to be in the low-to-mid 80% range for 2025[71]. - The company anticipates 2025 capital expenditures between $3.0 and$3.2 billion, primarily for new restaurant unit expansion[71].