RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL INC., 10-K filed on 2/23/2022
Annual Report
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Cover Page - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Feb. 15, 2022
Jun. 30, 2021
Cover [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2021    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Document Transition Report false    
Entity File Number 001-36786    
Entity Registrant Name RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL INC.    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Z4    
Entity Tax Identification Number 98-1202754    
Entity Address, Address Line One 130 King Street West, Suite 300    
Entity Address, City or Town Toronto,    
Entity Address, State or Province ON    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code M5X 1E1    
City Area Code 905    
Local Phone Number 339-6011    
Title of 12(b) Security Common Shares, without par value    
Trading Symbol QSR    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag true    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Public Float     $ 19,635,860,698
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   309,632,586  
Documents Incorporated by Reference Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2022 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, which is to be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2021, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2021    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Entity Central Index Key 0001618756    
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Audit Information
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Audit Information [Abstract]  
Auditor Name KPMG LLP
Auditor Location Miami, FL
Auditor Firm ID 185
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Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,087 $ 1,560
Accounts and notes receivable, net of allowance of $18 and $42, respectively 547 536
Inventories, net 96 96
Prepaids and other current assets 86 72
Total current assets 1,816 2,264
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $979 and $879, respectively 2,035 2,031
Operating lease assets, net 1,130 1,152
Intangible assets, net 11,417 10,701
Goodwill 6,006 5,739
Net investment in property leased to franchisees 80 66
Other assets, net 762 824
Total assets 23,246 22,777
Current liabilities:    
Accounts and drafts payable 614 464
Other accrued liabilities 947 835
Gift card liability 221 191
Current portion of long-term debt and finance leases 96 111
Total current liabilities 1,878 1,601
Long-term debt, net of current portion 12,916 12,397
Finance leases, net of current portion 333 315
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion 1,070 1,082
Other liabilities, net 1,822 2,236
Deferred income taxes, net 1,374 1,425
Total liabilities 19,393 19,056
Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)
Shareholders’ equity:    
Common shares, no par value; Unlimited shares authorized at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020; 309,025,068 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021; 304,718,749 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020 2,156 2,399
Retained earnings 791 622
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (710) (854)
Total Restaurant Brands International Inc. shareholders’ equity 2,237 2,167
Noncontrolling interests 1,616 1,554
Total shareholders’ equity 3,853 3,721
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 23,246 $ 22,777
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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]    
Financing receivable, allowance for credit loss, current $ 18 $ 42
Accumulated depreciation and amortization $ 979 $ 879
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0 $ 0
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Unlimited Unlimited
Common stock, shares issued (in shares) 309,025,068 304,718,749
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 309,025,068 304,718,749
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Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Revenues:      
Total revenues $ 5,739 $ 4,968 $ 5,603
Operating costs and expenses:      
Cost of sales 1,890 1,610 1,813
Franchise and property expenses 489 515 533
Advertising expenses 962 870 865
General and administrative expenses 508 407 406
(Income) loss from equity method investments 4 39 (11)
Other operating expenses (income), net 7 105 (10)
Total operating costs and expenses 3,860 3,546 3,596
Income from operations 1,879 1,422 2,007
Interest expense, net 505 508 532
Loss on early extinguishment of debt 11 98 23
Income before income taxes 1,363 816 1,452
Income tax expense 110 66 341
Net income 1,253 750 1,111
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (Note 13) 415 264 468
Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 838 $ 486 $ 643
Earnings per common share:      
Basic (in dollars per share) $ 2.71 $ 1.61 $ 2.40
Diluted (in dollars per share) $ 2.69 $ 1.60 $ 2.37
Weighted average shares outstanding (in millions):      
Basic (in shares) 310 302 268
Diluted (in shares) 464 468 469
Sales      
Revenues:      
Total revenues $ 2,378 $ 2,013 $ 2,362
Franchise and property revenues      
Revenues:      
Total revenues 2,452 2,121 2,381
Advertising revenues      
Revenues:      
Total revenues $ 909 $ 834 $ 860
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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]      
Net income $ 1,253 $ 750 $ 1,111
Foreign currency translation adjustment (67) 332 409
Net change in fair value of net investment hedges, net of tax of $15, $60, and $32 111 (242) (86)
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax of $(36), $91, and $29 96 (244) (77)
Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax of $(36), $(27), and $(6) 96 73 15
Gain (loss) recognized on defined benefit pension plans and other items, net of tax of $(3), $3, and $1 15 (16) (2)
Other comprehensive income (loss) 251 (97) 259
Comprehensive income (loss) 1,504 653 1,370
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests 499 224 571
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common shareholders $ 1,005 $ 429 $ 799
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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]      
Net change in fair value of net investment hedges, tax $ 15 $ 60 $ 32
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges, tax (36) 91 29
Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, tax (36) (27) (6)
Gain (loss) recognized on other, tax $ (3) $ 3 $ 1
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Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Total
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment
  Issued Common Shares
Retained Earnings
Retained Earnings
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling Interests
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018     251,532,493          
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018 $ 3,618 $ 21 $ 1,737 $ 674 $ 12 $ (800) $ 2,007 $ 9
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                
Stock option exercises (in shares)     4,495,897          
Stock option exercises 102   $ 102          
Share-based compensation 68   $ 68          
Issuance of shares (in shares)     236,299          
Issuance of shares 7   $ 7          
Dividends declared on common shares (545)     (545)        
Dividend equivalents declared on restricted stock units 0   $ 9 (9)        
Distributions declared by Partnership on partnership exchangeable units $ (382)           (382)  
Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares (in shares) 42,016,392   42,016,392          
Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares $ 0   $ 555     (119) (436)  
Net income 1,111     643     468  
Other comprehensive income (loss) 259         156 103  
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019     298,281,081          
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2019 4,259   $ 2,478 775   (763) 1,769  
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                
Stock option exercises (in shares)     2,447,627          
Stock option exercises 82   $ 82          
Share-based compensation 74   $ 74          
Issuance of shares (in shares)     469,145          
Issuance of shares 6   $ 6          
Dividends declared on common shares (631)     (631)        
Dividend equivalents declared on restricted stock units 0   8 (8)        
Distributions declared by Partnership on partnership exchangeable units (336)           (336)  
Repurchase of RBI common shares $ (380)   $ (293)     (22) (65)  
Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares (in shares) 10,393,861   3,636,169          
Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares $ 0   $ 48     (12) (36)  
Other (in shares)     (115,273)          
Other (4)   $ (4)          
Restaurant VIE contributions (distributions) (2)           (2)  
Net income 750     486     264  
Other comprehensive income (loss) $ (97)         (57) (40)  
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020 304,718,749   304,718,749          
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2020 $ 3,721   $ 2,399 622   (854) 1,554  
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                
Stock option exercises (in shares) 1,594,000   1,594,146          
Stock option exercises $ 60   $ 60          
Share-based compensation 88   $ 88          
Issuance of shares (in shares)     1,839,941          
Issuance of shares 12   $ 12          
Dividends declared on common shares (658)     (658)        
Dividend equivalents declared on restricted stock units 0   $ 11 (11)        
Distributions declared by Partnership on partnership exchangeable units (318)           (318)  
Repurchase of RBI common shares (in shares)     (9,247,648)          
Repurchase of RBI common shares (551)   $ (551)          
Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares (in shares)     10,119,880          
Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares 0   $ 137     (23) (114)  
Restaurant VIE contributions (distributions) (5)           (5)  
Net income 1,253     838     415  
Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 251         167 84  
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2021 309,025,068   309,025,068          
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2021 $ 3,853   $ 2,156 $ 791   $ (710) $ 1,616  
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Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]        
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List]       Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Dividends per common share (in dollars per share) $ 2.12 $ 2.08 $ 2.00  
Distributions declared on partnership exchangeable units (in dollars per share) $ 2.12 $ 2.08 $ 2.00  
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net income $ 1,253 $ 750 $ 1,111
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization 201 189 185
Premiums paid and non-cash loss on early extinguishment of debt 11 97 16
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount 27 26 29
(Income) loss from equity method investments 4 39 (11)
Loss (gain) on remeasurement of foreign denominated transactions (76) 100 (14)
Net (gains) losses on derivatives 87 32 (49)
Share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense 102 84 74
Deferred income taxes (5) (208) 58
Other (16) 28 6
Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions and dispositions:      
Accounts and notes receivable 8 (30) (53)
Inventories and prepaids and other current assets 12 (10) (15)
Accounts and drafts payable 149 (183) 112
Other accrued liabilities and gift card liability 67 6 (57)
Tenant inducements paid to franchisees (20) (22) (54)
Other long-term assets and liabilities (78) 23 138
Net cash provided by operating activities 1,726 921 1,476
Cash flows from investing activities:      
Payments for property and equipment (106) (117) (62)
Net proceeds from disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings 16 12 8
Net payment for purchase of Firehouse Subs, net of cash acquired (1,004) 0 0
Settlement/sale of derivatives, net 5 33 24
Other investing activities, net (14) (7) 0
Net cash used for investing activities (1,103) (79) (30)
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Proceeds from revolving line of credit and long-term debt 1,335 5,235 2,250
Repayments of revolving line of credit, long-term debt and finance leases (889) (4,708) (2,266)
Payment of financing costs (19) (43) (50)
Payment of dividends on common shares and distributions on Partnership exchangeable units (974) (959) (901)
Repurchase of Partnership exchangeable units 0 (380) 0
Repurchase of common shares (551) 0 0
Proceeds from stock option exercises 60 82 102
(Payments) proceeds from derivatives (51) (46)  
(Payments) proceeds from derivatives     23
Other financing activities, net (4) (2) 0
Net cash used for financing activities (1,093) (821) (842)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents (3) 6 16
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (473) 27 620
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1,560 1,533 913
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 1,087 1,560 1,533
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:      
Interest paid 404 463 584
Income taxes paid $ 256 $ 267 $ 248
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Description of Business and Organization
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Description of Business and Organization Description of Business and Organization
Description of Business
Restaurant Brands International Inc. (the “Company,” “RBI,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is a Canadian corporation that serves as the sole general partner of Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership (the “Partnership”). On December 15, 2021 we acquired FRG, LLC (“Firehouse Subs”). We franchise and operate quick service restaurants serving premium coffee and other beverage and food products under the Tim Hortons® brand (“Tim Hortons” or “TH”), fast food hamburgers principally under the Burger King® brand (“Burger King” or “BK”), chicken under the Popeyes® brand (“Popeyes” or “PLK”) and sandwiches under the Firehouse Subs® brand (“Firehouse” or “FHS”). We are one of the world’s largest quick service restaurant, or QSR, companies as measured by total number of restaurants. As of December 31, 2021, we franchised or owned 5,291 Tim Hortons restaurants, 19,247 Burger King restaurants, 3,705 Popeyes restaurants, and 1,213 Firehouse restaurants, for a total of 29,456 restaurants, and operate in more than 100 countries. Approximately 100% of current system-wide restaurants are franchised.
All references to “$” or “dollars” are to the currency of the United States unless otherwise indicated. All references to “Canadian dollars” or “C$” are to the currency of Canada unless otherwise indicated.
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Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies
Fiscal Year
We operate on a monthly calendar, with a fiscal year that ends on December 31. TH, BK and PLK operate on the same fiscal year. The fiscal year of FHS ends on the Sunday on or before December 31 which was December 26, 2021.
Basis of Presentation
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and related rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements (the "Financial Statements") include our accounts and the accounts of entities in which we have a controlling financial interest, the usual condition of which is ownership of a majority voting interest. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in other affiliates that are owned 50% or less where we have significant influence are accounted for by the equity method.
We are the sole general partner of Partnership and, as such we have the exclusive right, power and authority to manage, control, administer and operate the business and affairs and to make decisions regarding the undertaking and business of Partnership, subject to the terms of the partnership agreement of Partnership (“partnership agreement”) and applicable laws. As a result, we consolidate the results of Partnership and record a noncontrolling interest in our consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations with respect to the remaining economic interest in Partnership we do not hold.
We also consider for consolidation entities in which we have certain interests, where the controlling financial interest may be achieved through arrangements that do not involve voting interests. Such an entity, known as a variable interest entity (“VIE”), is required to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that possesses the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that are significant to it. Our maximum exposure to loss resulting from involvement with VIEs is attributable to accounts and notes receivable balances, investment balances, outstanding loan guarantees and future lease payments, where applicable.
As our franchise and master franchise arrangements provide the franchise and master franchise entities the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact their economic performance, we do not consider ourselves the primary beneficiary of any such entity that might be a VIE.
Tim Hortons has historically entered into certain arrangements in which an operator acquires the right to operate a restaurant, but Tim Hortons owns the restaurant’s assets. In these arrangements, Tim Hortons has the ability to determine which operators
manage the restaurants and for what duration. We perform an analysis to determine if the legal entity in which operations are conducted is a VIE and consolidate a VIE entity if we also determine Tim Hortons is the entity’s primary beneficiary (“Restaurant VIEs”). As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, we determined that we are the primary beneficiary of 46 and 38 Restaurant VIEs, respectively, and accordingly, have consolidated the results of operations, assets and liabilities, and cash flows of these Restaurant VIEs in our Financial Statements.
Assets and liabilities related to consolidated VIEs are not significant to our total consolidated assets and liabilities. Liabilities recognized as a result of consolidating these VIEs do not necessarily represent additional claims on our general assets; rather, they represent claims against the specific assets of the consolidated VIEs. Conversely, assets recognized as a result of consolidating these VIEs do not represent additional assets that could be used to satisfy claims by our creditors as they are not legally included within our general assets.
Reclassifications
Certain prior year amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements have been reclassified in order to be comparable with the current year classifications. These consist of the 2020 and 2019 reclassification of advertising fund contributions from Franchise and property revenues to Advertising revenues and advertising fund expenses from Selling, general and administrative expenses to Advertising expenses, with General and administrative expenses now presented separately. Depreciation and amortization expenses related to the advertising funds for 2020 and 2019 have also been reclassified from Franchise and property expenses to Advertising expenses. These reclassifications did not arise as a result of any changes to accounting policies and relate entirely to presentation with no effect on previously reported net income.
Foreign Currency Translation and Transaction Gains and Losses
Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar, since our term loans and senior secured notes are denominated in U.S. dollars, and the principal market for our common shares is the U.S. The functional currency of each of our operating subsidiaries is generally the currency of the economic environment in which the subsidiary primarily does business. Our foreign subsidiaries’ financial statements are translated into U.S. dollars using the foreign exchange rates applicable to the dates of the financial statements. Assets and liabilities are translated using the end-of-period spot foreign exchange rates. Income, expenses and cash flows are translated at the average foreign exchange rates for each period. Equity accounts are translated at historical foreign exchange rates. The effects of these translation adjustments are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) in the consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity.
For any transaction that is denominated in a currency different from the entity’s functional currency, we record a gain or loss based on the difference between the foreign exchange rate at the transaction date and the foreign exchange rate at the transaction settlement date (or rate at period end, if unsettled) which is included within other operating expenses (income), net in the consolidated statements of operations.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
All highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and credit card receivables are considered cash equivalents.
Inventories
Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value and consist primarily of raw materials such as green coffee beans and finished goods such as new equipment, parts, paper supplies and restaurant food items. The moving average method is used to determine the cost of raw materials and finished goods inventories held for sale to Tim Hortons franchisees.
Property and Equipment, net
We record property and equipment at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization, which is recognized using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: (i) buildings and improvements – up to 40 years; (ii) restaurant equipment – up to 17 years; (iii) furniture, fixtures and other – up to 10 years; and (iv) manufacturing equipment – up to 25 years. Leasehold improvements to properties where we are the lessee are amortized over the lesser of the remaining term of the lease or the estimated useful life of the improvement.
Major improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are expensed when incurred.
Leases
In all leases, whether we are the lessor or lessee, we define lease term as the noncancellable term of the lease plus any renewals covered by renewal options that are reasonably certain of exercise based on our assessment of the economic factors relevant to the
lessee. The noncancellable term of the lease commences on the date the lessor makes the underlying property in the lease available to the lessee, irrespective of when lease payments begin under the contract.
Lessor Accounting
We recognize lease payments for operating leases as property revenue on a straight-line basis over the lease term, and property revenue is presented net of any related sales tax. Lease incentive payments we make to lessees are amortized as a reduction in property revenue over the lease term. We account for reimbursements of maintenance and property tax costs paid to us by lessees as property revenue.
We also have net investments in properties leased to franchisees, which meet the criteria of sales-type leases or met the criteria of direct financing leases under the previous accounting guidance. Investments in sales-type leases and direct financing leases are recorded on a net basis. Profit or loss on sales-type leases is recognized at lease commencement and recorded in other operating expenses (income), net. Unearned income on direct financing leases is deferred, included in the net investment in the lease, and recognized over the lease term yielding a constant periodic rate of return on the net investment in the lease.
We recognize variable lease payment income in the period when changes in facts and circumstances on which the variable lease payments are based occur.
Lessee Accounting
In leases where we are the lessee, we recognize a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and lease liability at lease commencement, which are measured by discounting lease payments using our incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate. We determine the incremental borrowing rate applicable to each lease by reference to our outstanding secured borrowings and implied spreads over the risk-free discount rates that correspond to the term of each lease, as adjusted for the currency of the lease. Subsequent amortization of the ROU asset and accretion of the lease liability for an operating lease is recognized as a single lease cost, on a straight-line basis, over the lease term. Reductions of the ROU asset and the change in the lease liability are included in changes in Other long-term assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
A finance lease ROU asset is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the useful life of the leased asset or lease term. Interest on each finance lease liability is determined as the amount that results in a constant periodic discount rate on the remaining balance of the liability. Operating lease and finance lease ROU assets are assessed for impairment in accordance with our long-lived asset impairment policy.
We reassess lease classification and remeasure ROU assets and lease liabilities when a lease is modified and that modification is not accounted for as a separate contract or upon certain other events that require reassessment. Maintenance and property tax expenses are accounted for on an accrual basis as variable lease cost.
We recognize variable lease cost in the period when changes in facts and circumstances on which the variable lease payments are based occur.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the acquisition of Firehouse Subs in 2021, the acquisition of Popeyes in 2017, the acquisition of Tim Hortons in 2014 and the acquisition of Burger King Holdings, Inc. by 3G Capital Partners Ltd. in 2010. Our indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of the Tim Hortons brand, the Burger King brand, the Popeyes brand and the Firehouse Subs brand (each a “Brand” and together, the “Brands”). Goodwill and the Brands are tested for impairment at least annually as of October 1 of each year and more often if an event occurs or circumstances change which indicate impairment might exist. Our annual impairment tests of goodwill and the Brands may be completed through qualitative assessments. We may elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to a quantitative impairment test for any reporting unit or Brand in any period. We can resume the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit or Brand in any subsequent period.
Under a qualitative approach, our impairment review for goodwill consists of an assessment of whether it is more-likely-than-not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. If we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit, or if a qualitative assessment indicates it is more-likely-than-not that the estimated carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test that requires us to estimate the fair value of the reporting unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we will measure any goodwill impairment loss as the amount by which the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.
Under a qualitative approach, our impairment review for the Brands consists of an assessment of whether it is more-likely-than-not that a Brand’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. If we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment for a Brand, or if a qualitative assessment indicates it is more-likely-than-not that the estimated carrying value of a Brand exceeds its fair value, we
estimate the fair value of the Brand and compare it to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
We completed our impairment tests for goodwill and the Brands as of October 1, 2021, 2020 and 2019 and no impairment resulted.
Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, intangible assets subject to amortization and lease right-of-use assets, are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Some of the events or changes in circumstances that would trigger an impairment review include, but are not limited to, bankruptcy proceedings or other significant financial distress of a lessee; significant negative industry or economic trends; knowledge of transactions involving the sale of similar property at amounts below the carrying value; or our expectation to dispose of long-lived assets before the end of their estimated useful lives. The impairment test for long-lived assets requires us to assess the recoverability of long-lived assets by comparing their net carrying value to the sum of undiscounted estimated future cash flows directly associated with and arising from use and eventual disposition of the assets or asset group. Long-lived assets are grouped for recognition and measurement of impairment at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets. If the net carrying value of a group of long-lived assets exceeds the sum of related undiscounted estimated future cash flows, we record an impairment charge equal to the excess, if any, of the net carrying value over fair value.
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”) refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that are included in comprehensive income (loss), but are excluded from net income (loss) as these amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to shareholders’ equity, net of tax. Our other comprehensive income (loss) is primarily comprised of unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains and losses on hedging activity, net of tax.
Derivative Financial Instruments
We recognize and measure all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. We may enter into derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes, but which largely offset the economic impact of certain transactions.
Gains or losses resulting from changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognized in earnings or recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and recognized in the consolidated statements of operations when the hedged item affects earnings, depending on the purpose of the derivatives and whether they qualify for, and we have applied, hedge accounting treatment.
When applying hedge accounting, we designate at a derivative’s inception, the specific assets, liabilities or future commitments being hedged, and assess the hedge’s effectiveness at inception and on an ongoing basis. We discontinue hedge accounting when: (i) we determine that the cash flow derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of a hedged item; (ii) the derivative expires or is sold, terminated or exercised; (iii) it is no longer probable that the forecasted transaction will occur; or (iv) management determines that designation of the derivatives as a hedge instrument is no longer appropriate. We do not enter into or hold derivatives for speculative purposes.
Disclosures about Fair Value
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal market, or if none exists, the most advantageous market, for the specific asset or liability at the measurement date (the exit price). The fair value is based on assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. The fair values are assigned a level within the fair value hierarchy, depending on the source of the inputs into the calculation, as follows:
Level 1 Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 Unobservable inputs reflecting management’s own assumptions about the inputs used in pricing the asset or liability.
The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable and accounts and drafts payable approximate fair value based on the short-term nature of these amounts.
We carry all of our derivatives at fair value and value them using various pricing models or discounted cash flow analysis that incorporate observable market parameters, such as interest rate yield curves and currency rates, which are Level 2 inputs. Derivative
valuations incorporate credit risk adjustments that are necessary to reflect the probability of default by the counterparty or us. For disclosures about the fair value measurements of our derivative instruments, see Note 12, Derivative Instruments.
The following table presents the fair value of our variable rate term debt and senior notes, estimated using inputs based on bid and offer prices that are Level 2 inputs, and principal carrying amount (in millions):
As of December 31,
20212020
Fair value of our variable term debt and senior notes$12,851 $12,477 
Principal carrying amount of our variable term debt and senior notes12,943 12,453 
The determinations of fair values of certain tangible and intangible assets for purposes of the application of the acquisition method of accounting to the acquisition of Firehouse Subs were based on Level 3 inputs. The determination of fair values of our reporting units and the determination of the fair value of the Brands for impairment testing using a quantitative approach during 2020 and 2019 were based upon Level 3 inputs.
Revenue Recognition
Sales
Sales consist primarily of supply chain sales, which represent sales of products, supplies and restaurant equipment to franchisees, as well as sales to retailers and are presented net of any related sales tax. Orders placed by customers specify the goods to be delivered and transaction prices for supply chain sales. Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control over ordered items, generally upon delivery to the customer, which is when the customer obtains physical possession of the goods, legal title is transferred, the customer has all risks and rewards of ownership and an obligation to pay for the goods is created. Shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight for supply chain sales are accounted for as fulfillment costs and classified as cost of sales.
To a much lesser extent, sales also include Company restaurant sales (including Restaurant VIEs), which consist of sales to restaurant guests. Revenue from Company restaurant sales is recognized at the point of sale. Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that we collect are excluded from revenue.
Franchise revenues and advertising revenues
Franchise revenues and advertising revenues consist primarily of royalties, advertising fund contributions, initial and renewal franchise fees and upfront fees from development agreements and master franchise and development agreements (“MFDAs”). Under franchise agreements, we provide franchisees with (i) a franchise license, which includes a license to use our intellectual property and, in those markets where our subsidiaries manage an advertising fund, advertising and promotion management, (ii) pre-opening services, such as training and inspections, and (iii) ongoing services, such as development of training materials and menu items and restaurant monitoring and inspections. The services we provide under franchise agreements are highly interrelated and dependent upon the franchise license and we concluded the services do not represent individually distinct performance obligations. Consequently, we bundle the franchise license performance obligation and promises to provide services into a single performance obligation, which we satisfy by providing a right to use our intellectual property over the term of each franchise agreement.
Royalties, including franchisee contributions to advertising funds managed by our subsidiaries, are calculated as a percentage of franchise restaurant sales over the term of the franchise agreement. Under our franchise agreements, advertising contributions received from franchisees must be spent on advertising, product development, marketing and related activities. Initial and renewal franchise fees are payable by the franchisee upon a new restaurant opening or renewal of an existing franchise agreement. Our franchise agreement royalties, inclusive of advertising fund contributions, represent sales-based royalties that are related entirely to our performance obligation under the franchise agreement and are recognized as franchise sales occur. We separately classify advertising fund contributions in Advertising revenues while all other franchise revenues are classified in Franchise and property revenues. Additionally, initial and renewal franchise fees are recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective agreement. Our performance obligation under development agreements other than MFDAs generally consists of an obligation to grant exclusive development rights over a stated term. These development rights are not distinct from franchise agreements, so upfront fees paid by franchisees for exclusive development rights are deferred and apportioned to each franchise restaurant opened by the franchisee. The pro rata amount apportioned to each restaurant is accounted for as an initial franchise fee.
We have a distinct performance obligation under our MFDAs to grant subfranchising rights over a stated term. Under the terms of MFDAs, we typically either receive an upfront fee paid in cash and/or receive noncash consideration in the form of an equity interest in the master franchisee or an affiliate of the master franchisee. We account for noncash consideration as investments in the applicable equity method investee and recognize revenue in an amount equal to the fair value of the equity interest received. Upfront fees from master franchisees, including the fair value of noncash consideration, are deferred and amortized over the MFDA term on a
straight-line basis. We may recognize unamortized upfront fees when a contract with a franchisee or master franchisee is modified and is accounted for as a termination of the existing contract.
The portion of gift cards sold to customers which are never redeemed is commonly referred to as gift card breakage. We recognize gift card breakage income proportionately as each gift card is redeemed using an estimated breakage rate based on our historical experience.
Property revenues
Property revenues consists of rental income from properties we lease or sublease to franchisees. Property revenues are accounted for in accordance with applicable accounting guidance for leases and are excluded from the scope of revenue recognition guidance.
Advertising and Promotional Costs
Company restaurants and franchise restaurants contribute to advertising funds that our subsidiaries manage in the United States and Canada and certain other international markets. The advertising funds expense the production costs of advertising when the advertisements are first aired or displayed. All other advertising and promotional costs are expensed in the period incurred. Under our franchise agreements, advertising contributions received from franchisees must be spent on advertising, product development, marketing and related activities. The advertising contributions by Company restaurants (including Restaurant VIEs) are eliminated in consolidation.
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred financing costs are amortized over the term of the related debt agreement into interest expense using the effective interest method.
Income Taxes
Amounts in the Financial Statements related to income taxes are calculated using the principles of ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes. Under these principles, deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and the amounts recognized for tax purposes, as well as tax credit carry-forwards and loss carry-forwards. These deferred taxes are measured by applying currently enacted tax rates. A deferred tax asset is recognized when it is considered more-likely-than-not to be realized. The effects of changes in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized in income in the year in which the law is enacted. A valuation allowance reduces deferred tax assets when it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
We recognize positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return in the Financial Statements when it is more-likely-than-not (i.e., a likelihood of more than 50%) that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit with greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement.
Translation gains and losses resulting from the remeasurement of foreign deferred tax assets or liabilities denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are classified as other operating expenses (income), net in the consolidated statements of operations.
Share-based Compensation
Compensation expense related to the issuance of share-based awards to our employees is measured at fair value on the grant date. We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value stock options. The fair value of restricted stock units is based on the closing price of our stock at the award date. If applicable, our total shareholder return relative to our peer group is incorporated into the underlying assumptions using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model to calculate grant date fair value for performance based awards with a market condition. The compensation expense for awards that vest over a future service period is recognized over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis, adjusted for estimated forfeitures of awards that are not expected to vest. We use historical data to estimate forfeitures for share-based awards. Upon the end of the service period, compensation expense is adjusted to account for the actual forfeiture rate. The compensation expense for awards that contain performance conditions is recognized when it is probable that the performance conditions will be achieved.
New Accounting Pronouncements
Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes – In December 2019, the FASB issued guidance which simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions and by clarifying and amending existing guidance applicable to accounting for income taxes. The amendment is effective commencing in 2021 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this new guidance in 2021 did not have a material impact on our Financial Statements.
Accounting Relief for the Transition Away from LIBOR and Certain other Reference Rates – In March 2020 and as clarified in January 2021, the FASB issued guidance which provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. This amendment is effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The expedients and exceptions provided by this new guidance do not apply to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated after December 31, 2022, except for hedging relationships existing as of December 31, 2022, that an entity has elected certain optional expedients for and that are retained through the end of the hedging relationships. During the third quarter of 2021, we adopted certain of the expedients as it relates to hedge accounting as certain of our debt agreements and hedging relationships bear interest at variable rates, primarily U.S. dollar LIBOR. The adoption of and future elections under this new guidance did not and are not expected to have a material impact on our Financial Statements. We will continue to monitor the discontinuance of LIBOR on our debt agreements and hedging relationships.
Lessors—Certain Leases with Variable Lease Payments – In July 2021, the FASB issued guidance that requires lessors to classify and account for a lease with variable lease payments that do not depend on a reference index or a rate as an operating lease if (a) the lease would have been classified as a sales-type lease or a direct financing lease in accordance with lease classification criteria and (b) the lessor would have otherwise recognized a day-one loss. This amendment is effective in 2022 with early adoption permitted. This guidance may be applied either retrospectively to leases that commenced or were modified on or after the adoption of lease guidance we adopted in 2019 or prospectively to leases that commence or are modified on or after the date that this new guidance is applied. We do not expect that the adoption of this new guidance will have a material impact on our Financial Statements.
Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers– In October 2021, the FASB issued guidance which requires contract assets and contract liabilities (i.e., unearned revenue) acquired in a business combination to be recognized and measured in accordance with revenue from contracts with customers guidance. Currently, we recognize contract assets and contract liabilities at the acquisition date based on fair value estimates, which historically has resulted in a reduction to unearned revenue on the balance sheet, and therefore, a reduction to revenues that would have otherwise been recorded as an independent entity. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022 on a prospective basis, with early adoption permitted. During the fourth quarter of 2021, we adopted this guidance which did not have a material impact on our Financial Statements.
v3.22.0.1
Firehouse Acquisition
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]  
Firehouse Acquisition Firehouse Acquisition
On December 15, 2021, we completed the acquisition of Firehouse Subs (the “Firehouse Acquisition”) which complements RBI's existing portfolio. Like RBI's other brands, the Firehouse Subs brand is managed independently, while benefiting from the global scale and resources of RBI. The Firehouse Acquisition was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting.
Total consideration in connection with the Firehouse Acquisition was $1,033 million, subject to post-closing adjustments. The consideration was funded through cash on hand and $533 million of incremental borrowings under our Term Loan Facility - See Note 9, Long-Term Debt.
Fees and expenses related to the Firehouse Acquisition and related financings (“FHS Transaction costs”) totaled $18 million, consisting primarily of professional fees and compensation related expenses which are classified as general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
The preliminary allocation of consideration to the net tangible and intangible assets acquired is presented in the table below (in millions):
December 15, 2021
Total current assets$21 
Property and equipment
Firehouse Subs brand
768 
Total liabilities(13)
Total identifiable net assets780 
Goodwill253 
Total consideration$1,033 
The purchase price allocation reflects preliminary fair value estimates based on management's analysis, including preliminary work performed by third-party valuation specialists. We will continue to obtain information to assist in determining the fair value of net assets acquired during the measurement period.
The Firehouse Subs brand has been assigned an indefinite life and, therefore, will not be amortized, but rather tested annually for impairment. Goodwill attributable to the Firehouse Acquisition will be amortized and deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill is considered to represent the value associated with the workforce and synergies anticipated to be realized as a combined company. We have not yet allocated goodwill related to the Firehouse Acquisition to reporting units for goodwill impairment testing purposes. Goodwill will be allocated to reporting units when the purchase price allocation is finalized during the measurement period.
The results of operations of Firehouse Subs have been included in our consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date of December 15, 2021 through December 26, 2021, the fiscal year end for FHS. The Firehouse Acquisition is not material to our consolidated financial statements, and therefore, supplemental pro forma financial information related to the acquisition is not included herein.
v3.22.0.1
Earnings per Share
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Earnings per Share Earnings per Share
An economic interest in Partnership common equity is held by the holders of Class B exchangeable limited partnership units (the “Partnership exchangeable units”), which is reflected as a noncontrolling interest in our equity. See Note 13, Shareholders’ Equity.
Basic and diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. We apply the treasury stock method to determine the dilutive weighted average common shares represented by outstanding equity awards, unless the effect of their inclusion is anti-dilutive. The diluted earnings per share calculation assumes conversion of 100% of the Partnership exchangeable units under the “if converted” method. Accordingly, the numerator is also adjusted to include the earnings allocated to the holders of noncontrolling interests.
The following table summarizes the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations (in millions, except per share amounts):
202120202019
Numerator:
Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic$838 $486 $643 
Add: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests411 262 466 
Net income available to common shareholders and noncontrolling interests - diluted$1,249 $748 $1,109 
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares - basic310 302 268 
Exchange of noncontrolling interests for common shares (Note 12)151 162 194 
Effect of other dilutive securities
Weighted average common shares - diluted464 468 469 
Basic earnings per share (a)$2.71 $1.61 $2.40 
Diluted earnings per share (a)$2.69 $1.60 $2.37 
Anti-dilutive securities outstanding
(a)Earnings per share may not recalculate exactly as it is calculated based on unrounded numbers.
v3.22.0.1
Property and Equipment, net
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Property and Equipment, net Property and Equipment, net
Property and equipment, net, consist of the following (in millions):
 As of December 31,
 20212020
Land$1,011 $1,007 
Buildings and improvements1,200 1,192 
Restaurant equipment193 163 
Furniture, fixtures, and other257 242 
Finance leases323 289 
Construction in progress30 17 
3,014 2,910 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(979)(879)
Property and equipment, net$2,035 $2,031 
Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment totaled $148 million for 2021, $140 million for 2020 and $136 million for 2019.
Included in our property and equipment, net at December 31, 2021 and 2020 are $246 million and $238 million, respectively, of assets leased under finance leases (mostly buildings and improvements), net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $77 million and $51 million, respectively.
v3.22.0.1
Intangible Assets, net and Goodwill
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Intangible Assets, net and Goodwill Intangible Assets, net and Goodwill
Intangible assets, net and goodwill consist of the following (in millions):
As of December 31,
20212020
GrossAccumulated AmortizationNetGrossAccumulated AmortizationNet
Identifiable assets subject to amortization:
   Franchise agreements$722 $(290)$432 $735 $(264)$471 
   Favorable leases104 (63)41 117 (66)51 
      Subtotal826 (353)473 852 (330)522 
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
   Tim Hortons brand
$6,695 $— $6,695 $6,650 $— $6,650 
   Burger King brand
2,126 — 2,126 2,174 — 2,174 
   Popeyes brand
1,355 — 1,355 1,355 — 1,355 
Firehouse Subs brand
768 — 768 — — — 
      Subtotal10,944 — 10,944 10,179 — 10,179 
Intangible assets, net$11,417 $10,701 
Goodwill
   Tim Hortons segment$4,306 $4,279 
   Burger King segment601 614 
   Popeyes segment846 846 
   Firehouse segment253 — 
      Total$6,006 $5,739 
Amortization expense on intangible assets totaled $41 million for 2021, $43 million for 2020, and $44 million for 2019. The change in the brands and goodwill balances during 2021 was due to the acquisition of Firehouse Subs and the impact of foreign currency translation.
As of December 31, 2021, the estimated future amortization expense on identifiable assets subject to amortization is as follows (in millions):
Twelve-months ended December 31,Amount
2022$39 
202337 
202436 
202534 
202634 
Thereafter293 
Total$473 
v3.22.0.1
Equity Method Investments
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]  
Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments
The aggregate carrying amount of our equity method investments was $194 million and $205 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and is included as a component of Other assets, net in our consolidated balance sheets.
Except for the following equity method investments, no quoted market prices are available for our other equity method investments. The aggregate market value of our 15.5% equity interest in Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. (“Carrols”) based on the quoted market price on December 31, 2021 is approximately $28 million. The aggregate market value of our 9.4% equity interest in BK Brasil Operação e Assessoria a Restaurantes S.A. based on the quoted market price on December 31, 2021 is approximately $28 million. We have evaluated recent declines in the market value of these equity method investments and concluded they are not other than temporary and as such no impairments have been recognized during 2021.
We have equity interests in entities that own or franchise Tim Hortons or Burger King restaurants. Franchise and property revenue recognized from franchisees that are owned or franchised by entities in which we have an equity interest consist of the following (in millions):

202120202019
Revenues from affiliates:
Royalties$350 $239 $290 
Advertising revenues67 50 55 
Property revenues32 32 33 
Franchise fees and other revenue21 14 10 
Total$470 $335 $388 
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, we had $48 million and $52 million, respectively, of accounts receivable, net from our equity method investments which were recorded in accounts and notes receivable, net in our consolidated balance sheets.
With respect to our TH business, the most significant equity method investment is our 50.0% joint venture interest with The Wendy’s Company (the “TIMWEN Partnership”), which jointly holds real estate underlying Canadian combination restaurants. Distributions received from this joint venture were $16 million, $8 million and $13 million during 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
We recognized rent expense associated with the TIMWEN Partnership of $18 million, $15 million, and $19 million during 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(Income) loss from equity method investments reflects our share of investee net income or loss, non-cash dilution gains or losses from changes in our ownership interests in equity method investees and basis difference amortization. We recorded increases to the carrying value of our equity method investment balances and non-cash dilution gains in the amounts of $11 million during 2019. No non-cash dilution gains were recorded during 2021 and 2020. The dilution gains resulted from the issuance of capital stock by our equity method investees, which reduced our ownership interests in these equity method investments. The dilution gains we recorded in connection with the issuance of capital stock reflect adjustments to the differences between the amount of underlying equity in the net assets of equity method investees before and after their issuance of capital stock.
v3.22.0.1
Other Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Other Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities
Other accrued liabilities (current) and other liabilities, net (non-current) consist of the following (in millions):

 As of December 31,
 20212020
Current:
Dividend payable$241 $239 
Interest payable63 66 
Accrued compensation and benefits99 78 
Taxes payable106 122 
Deferred income48 42 
Accrued advertising expenses43 59 
Restructuring and other provisions90 12 
Current portion of operating lease liabilities140 137 
Other117 80 
Other accrued liabilities$947 $835 
Non-current:
Taxes payable$533 $626 
Contract liabilities (see Note 15)531 528 
Derivatives liabilities575 865 
Unfavorable leases65 81 
Accrued pension47 70 
Deferred income37 28 
Other34 38 
Other liabilities, net$1,822 $2,236 
v3.22.0.1
Long-Term Debt
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consist of the following (in millions):
 As of December 31,
 20212020
Term Loan B$5,243 $5,297 
Term Loan A1,250 731 
4.25% First Lien Senior Notes due 2024
— 775 
3.875% First Lien Senior Notes due 2028
1,550 750 
5.75% First Lien Senior Notes due 2025
500 500 
3.50% First Lien Senior Notes due 2029
750 750 
4.375% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2028
750 750 
4.00% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2030
2,900 2,900 
TH Facility and other173 178 
Less: unamortized deferred financing costs and deferred issuance discount(138)(155)
Total debt, net12,978 12,476 
Less: current maturities of debt(62)(79)
Total long-term debt$12,916 $12,397 
Credit Facilities
On December 13, 2021, two of our subsidiaries (the “Borrowers”) entered into a fifth incremental facility amendment and a sixth amendment (the “2021 Amendment”) to the credit agreement governing our senior secured term loan A facility (the “Term Loan A”), our senior secured term loan B facility (the “Term Loan B” and together with the Term Loan A the “Term Loan Facilities”) and our $1,000 million senior secured revolving credit facility (including revolving loans, swingline loans and letters of credit) (the “Revolving Credit Facility” and together with the Term Loan Facilities, the “Credit Facilities”). The 2021 Amendment increased the existing Term Loan A with $717 million outstanding to a $1,250 million Term Loan A and extended the maturity date of the Term Loan A and Revolving Credit Facility from October 7, 2024 to December 13, 2026 (subject to earlier maturity in specified circumstances). The security and guarantees under the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan A are the same as those under the existing facilities. The proceeds from the increase in the Term Loan A were used with cash on hand to complete the Firehouse Acquisition. In connection with the 2021 Amendment, we capitalized approximately $12 million in debt issuance costs.
The 2021 Amendment also amended the interest rate applicable to the Revolving Credit Facility and the Term Loan A to incorporate SOFR. The interest rate applicable to the Term Loan A and Revolving Credit Facility is, at our option, either (a) a base rate, subject to a floor of 1.00%, plus an applicable margin varying from 0.00% to 0.50%, or (b) Adjusted Term SOFR (Adjusted Term SOFR is calculated as Term SOFR plus a 0.10% adjustment), subject to a floor of 0.00%, plus an applicable margin varying between 0.75% and 1.50%, in each case, determined by reference to a net first lien leverage-based pricing grid. The commitment fee on the unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility is 0.15%. At December 31, 2021, the interest rate on the Term Loan A was 1.40%. The principal amount of the Term Loan A amortizes in quarterly installments equal to $8 million beginning March 31, 2023 until September 30, 2024 and thereafter in quarterly installments equal to $16 million until maturity, with the balance payable at maturity. The 2021 Amendment includes amendments to certain negative covenants to provide increased flexibility. The 2021 Amendment made no other material changes to the terms of the Credit Agreement.
The maturity date of our Term Loan B is November 19, 2026 and the interest rate applicable to our Term Loan B is, at our option, either (a) a base rate, subject to a floor of 1.00%, plus an applicable margin of 0.75%, or (b) a Eurocurrency rate, subject to a floor of 0.00%, plus an applicable margin of 1.75%. At December 31, 2021, the interest rate on the Term Loan B was 1.85%. The principal amount of the Term Loan B amortizes in quarterly installments equal to $13 million until maturity, with the balance payable at maturity.
On April 2, 2020, the Borrowers entered into a fifth amendment (the “Fifth Amendment”) to the credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) governing our Credit Facilities. The Fifth Amendment provides the Borrowers with the option to comply with a $1,000 million minimum liquidity covenant in lieu of the 6.50:1.00 net first lien senior secured leverage ratio financial maintenance covenant for the period after June 30, 2020 and prior to September 30, 2021. Additionally, for the periods ending September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2021, to determine compliance with the net first lien senior secured leverage ratio, we are permitted to annualize the Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) for the three months ending September 30, 2021 and six months ending December 31, 2021, respectively, in lieu of calculating the ratio based on Adjusted EBITDA for the prior four quarters. There were no other material changes to the terms of the Credit Agreement.
Revolving Credit Facility
As of December 31, 2021, we had no amounts outstanding under our Revolving Credit Facility. Funds available under the Revolving Credit Facility may be used to repay other debt, finance debt or share repurchases, to fund acquisitions or capital expenditures and for other general corporate purposes. We have a $125 million letter of credit sublimit as part of the Revolving Credit Facility, which reduces our borrowing availability thereunder by the cumulative amount of outstanding letters of credit. The interest rate applicable to amounts drawn under each letter of credit is 0.75% to 1.50%, depending on our net first lien leverage ratio. As of December 31, 2021, we had $2 million of letters of credit issued against the Revolving Credit Facility, and our borrowing availability was $998 million.
Obligations under the Credit Facilities are guaranteed on a senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by the direct parent company of one of the Borrowers and substantially all of its Canadian and U.S. subsidiaries, including The TDL Group Corp., Burger King Corporation, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc., FRG, LLC and substantially all of their respective Canadian and U.S. subsidiaries (the “Credit Guarantors”). Amounts borrowed under the Credit Facilities are secured on a first priority basis by a perfected security interest in substantially all of the present and future property (subject to certain exceptions) of each Borrower and Credit Guarantor.
4.25% First Lien Senior Notes due 2024
During 2017, the Borrowers entered into an indenture (the “4.25% First Lien Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $1,500 million of 4.25% first lien senior notes due May 15, 2024 (the “4.25% First Lien Senior Notes due 2024”). No principal payments were due until maturity and interest is paid semi-annually. The net proceeds from the offering of the 4.25% First Lien Senior Notes due 2024, together with other sources of liquidity, were used to redeem all of the outstanding Class A 9.0% cumulative compounding perpetual voting preferred shares and for other general corporate purposes. In connection with the issuance
of the 4.25% First Lien Senior Notes due 2024, we capitalized approximately $13 million in debt issuance costs. As detailed below, during 2020 we redeemed $725 million of the 4.25% First Lien Senior Notes due 2024 and during 2021 we redeemed the remaining outstanding balance of $775 million.
3.875% First Lien Senior Notes due 2028
On September 24, 2019, the Borrowers entered into an indenture (the “3.875% First Lien Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $750 million of 3.875% first lien senior notes due January 15, 2028 (the “2019 3.875% Senior Notes”). On July 6, 2021, the Borrowers issued an additional $800 million under the 3.875% First Lien Senior Notes Indenture (the “Additional Notes” and together with the 2019 3.875% Senior Notes, the “3.875% First Lien Senior Notes due 2028”). No principal payments are due until maturity and interest is paid semi-annually. The net proceeds from the offering of the 2019 3.875% Senior Notes and a portion of the net proceeds from the Term Loan A were used to redeem the entire outstanding principal balance of $1,250 million of 4.625% first lien secured notes due January 15, 2022 and to pay related fees and expenses. In connection with the issuance of the 2019 3.875% Senior Notes, we capitalized approximately $10 million in debt issuance costs. In connection with the redemption of the entire outstanding principal balance of the 4.625% first lien secured notes due January 15, 2022, we recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $3 million that primarily reflects the write-off of related unamortized debt issuance costs. The Additional Notes were priced at 100.250% of their face value. The net proceeds from the offering of the Additional Notes were used to redeem the remaining $775 million principal amount outstanding of the 4.25% First Lien Senior Notes due 2024 on July 15, 2021, plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon, and pay related redemption premiums, fees and expenses. In connection with the issuance of the Additional Notes, we capitalized approximately $7 million in debt issuance costs. In connection with the redemption of the remaining $775 million principal amount outstanding of the 4.25% First Lien Senior Notes due 2024, we recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $11 million that primarily reflects the payment of redemption premiums and the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.
Obligations under the 3.875% First Lien Senior Notes due 2028 are guaranteed on a senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by the Borrowers and substantially all of the Borrower's Canadian and U.S. subsidiaries, including The TDL Group Corp., Burger King Corporation, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc., FRG, LLC and substantially all of their respective Canadian and U.S. subsidiaries (the “Note Guarantors”). The 3.875% First Lien Senior Notes due 2028 are first lien senior secured obligations and rank equal in right of payment with all of the existing and future first lien senior debt of the Borrowers and Note Guarantors, including borrowings and guarantees under our Credit Facilities.
The 3.875% First Lien Senior Notes due 2028 may be redeemed in whole or in part, on or after September 15, 2022, at the redemption prices set forth in the 3.875% First Lien Senior Notes Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, at the date of redemption. The 3.875% First Lien Senior Notes Indenture also contains optional redemption provisions related to tender offers, change of control and equity offerings, among others.
5.75% First Lien Senior Notes due 2025
On April 7, 2020, the Borrowers entered into an indenture (the “5.75% First Lien Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $500 million of 5.75% first lien notes due April 15, 2025 (the “5.75% First Lien Senior Notes due 2025”). No principal payments are due until maturity and interest is paid semi-annually. The net proceeds from the offering of the 5.75% First Lien Senior Notes due 2025 were used for general corporate purposes. In connection with the issuance of the 5.75% First Lien Senior Notes due 2025, we capitalized approximately $10 million in debt issuance costs.
Obligations under the 5.75% First Lien Senior Notes due 2025 are guaranteed on a senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by the Note Guarantors. The 5.75% First Lien Senior Notes due 2025 are first lien senior secured obligations and rank equal in right of payment with all of the existing and future first lien senior debt of the Borrowers and Note Guarantors, including borrowings and guarantees of the Credit Facilities.
Our 5.75% First Lien Senior Notes due 2025 may be redeemed in whole or in part, on or after April 15, 2022 at the redemption prices set forth in the 5.75% First Lien Senior Notes Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, at the date of redemption. The 5.75% First Lien Senior Notes Indenture also contains optional redemption provisions related to tender offers, change of control and equity offerings, among others.
3.50% First Lien Senior Notes due 2029
On November 9, 2020, the Borrowers entered into an indenture (the “3.50% First Lien Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $750 million of 3.50% first lien notes due February 15, 2029 (the “3.50% First Lien Senior Notes due 2029”). No principal payments are due until maturity and interest is paid semi-annually. The proceeds from the offering of the 3.50% First Lien Senior Notes due 2029, together with cash on hand, were used to redeem $725 million of the 4.25% First Lien Senior Notes due 2024 and pay related redemption premiums, fees and expenses. In connection with the issuance of the 3.50% First Lien Senior Notes due 2029, we capitalized approximately $7 million in debt issuance costs. In connection with the redemption of the 4.25% First Lien
Senior Notes due 2024, we recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $19 million that primarily reflects the payment of premiums to redeem the notes and the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.
Obligations under the 3.50% First Lien Senior Notes due 2029 are guaranteed on a senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by the Note Guarantors. The 3.50% First Lien Senior Notes due 2029 are first lien senior secured obligations and rank equal in right of payment with all of the existing and future first lien senior debt of the Borrowers and Note Guarantors, including borrowings and guarantees of the Credit Facilities.
Our 3.50% First Lien Senior Notes due 2029 may be redeemed in whole or in part, on or after February 15, 2024 at the redemption prices set forth in the 3.50% First Lien Senior Notes Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, at the date of redemption. The 3.50% First Lien Senior Notes Indenture also contains optional redemption provisions related to tender offers, change of control and equity offerings, among others.
4.375% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2028
On November 19, 2019, the Borrowers entered into an indenture (the “4.375% Second Lien Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $750 million of 4.375% second lien senior notes due January 15, 2028 (the “4.375% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2028”). No principal payments are due until maturity and interest is paid semi-annually. The net proceeds from the offering of the 4.375% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2028, together with cash on hand, were used to repay $720 million of the Term Loan B outstanding aggregate principal balance and to pay related fees and expenses in connection with the fourth amendment to our credit agreement. In connection with the issuance of the 4.375% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2028, we capitalized approximately $6 million in debt issuance costs.
Obligations under the 4.375% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2028 are guaranteed on a second priority senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by the Note Guarantors. The 4.375% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2028 are second lien senior secured obligations and rank equal in right of payment with all of the existing and future senior debt of the Borrowers and Note Guarantors, including borrowings and guarantees of the Credit Facilities, and effectively subordinated to all of the existing and future first lien senior debt of the Borrowers and Note Guarantors.
Our 4.375% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2028 may be redeemed in whole or in part, on or after November 15, 2022 at the redemption prices set forth in the 4.375% Second Lien Senior Notes Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, at the date of redemption. The 4.375% Second Lien Senior Notes Indenture also contains redemption provisions related to tender offers, change of control and equity offerings, among others.
4.00% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2030
During 2020, the Borrowers entered into an indenture (the “4.00% Second Lien Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $2,900 million of 4.00% second lien notes due October 15, 2030 (the “4.00% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2030”). No principal payments are due until maturity and interest is paid semi-annually. The proceeds from the offering of the 4.00% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2030 were used to redeem the entire outstanding principal balance of $2,800 million of 5.00% second lien senior notes due October 15, 2025 (the “5.00% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2025”), pay related redemption premiums, fees and expenses. In connection with the issuance of the 4.00% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2030, we capitalized approximately $26 million in debt issuance costs. In connection with the full redemption of the 5.00% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2025, we recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $79 million that primarily reflects the payment of premiums to redeem the notes and the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.
Obligations under the 4.00% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2030 are guaranteed on a second priority senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by the Note Guarantors. The 4.00% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2030 are second lien senior secured obligations and rank equal in right of payment will all of the existing and future senior debt of the Borrowers and Note Guarantors and effectively subordinated to all of the existing and future first lien senior debt of the Borrowers and Note Guarantors.
Our 4.00% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2030 may be redeemed in whole or in part, on or after October 15, 2025 at the redemption prices set forth in the 4.00% Second Lien Senior Notes Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, at the date of redemption. The 4.00% Second Lien Senior Notes Indenture also contains optional redemption provisions related to tender offers, change of control and equity offerings, among others.
Restrictions and Covenants
Our Credit Facilities, as well as the 3.875% First Lien Senior Notes Indenture, 5.75% First Lien Senior Notes Indenture, 3.50% First Lien Senior Notes Indenture, 4.375% Second Lien Senior Notes Indenture and 4.00% Second Lien Senior Notes Indenture (all together the “Senior Notes Indentures”) contain a number of customary affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, limit or restrict our ability and the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to: incur additional indebtedness; incur liens; engage in mergers, consolidations, liquidations and dissolutions; sell assets; pay dividends and make other payments in respect of capital stock;
make investments, loans and advances; pay or modify the terms of certain indebtedness; and engage in certain transactions with affiliates. In addition, under the Credit Facilities, the Borrowers are not permitted to exceed a first lien senior secured leverage ratio of 6.50 to 1.00 when, as of the end of any fiscal quarter beginning with the first fiscal quarter of 2020, (1) any amounts are outstanding under the Term Loan A and/or (2) the sum of (i) the amount of letters of credit outstanding exceeding $50 million (other than those that are cash collateralized); (ii) outstanding amounts under the Revolving Credit Facility and (iii) outstanding amounts of swing line loans, exceeds 30.0% of the commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Fifth Amendment provides that for periods ended September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2021, to determine compliance with the net first lien senior secured leverage ratio, we are permitted to annualize the Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and six months ended December 31, 2021, respectively, in lieu of calculating the ratio based on Adjusted EBITDA for the prior four quarters.
The restrictions under the Credit Facilities and the Senior Notes Indentures have resulted in substantially all of our consolidated assets being restricted.
As of December 31, 2021, we were in compliance with applicable financial debt covenants under the Credit Facilities and the Senior Notes Indentures and there were no limitations on our ability to draw on the remaining availability under our Revolving Credit Facility.
TH Facility
One of our subsidiaries entered into a non-revolving delayed drawdown term credit facility in a total aggregate principal amount of C$225 million with a maturity date of October 4, 2025 (the “TH Facility”). The interest rate applicable to the TH Facility is the Canadian Bankers’ Acceptance rate plus an applicable margin equal to 1.40% or the Prime Rate plus an applicable margin equal to 0.40%, at our option. Obligations under the TH Facility are guaranteed by four of our subsidiaries, and amounts borrowed under the TH Facility are secured by certain parcels of real estate. As of December 31, 2021, we had outstanding C$214 million under the TH Facility with a weighted average interest rate of 1.85%.
RE Facility
One of our subsidiaries entered into a non-revolving delayed drawdown term credit facility in a total aggregate principal amount of $50 million with a maturity date of October 12, 2028 (the “RE Facility”). The interest rate applicable to the RE Facility is, at our option, either (i) a base rate, subject to a floor of 0.50%, plus an applicable margin of 0.50% or (ii) Adjusted Term SOFR (Adjusted Term SOFR is calculated as Term SOFR plus a margin based on duration), subject to a floor of 0.00%, plus an applicable margin of 1.50%. Obligations under the RE Facility are guaranteed by four of our subsidiaries, and amounts borrowed under the RE Facility are secured by certain parcels of real estate. As of December 31, 2021, we had no amounts outstanding under the RE Facility.
Debt Issuance Costs
During 2021, 2020 and 2019, we incurred aggregate deferred financing costs of $19 million, $43 million and $50 million, respectively.
Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt
During 2021, we recorded an $11 million loss on early extinguishment of debt that primarily reflects the payment of redemption premiums and the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs in connection with the redemption of the remaining $775 million principal amount outstanding of the 4.25% First Lien Senior Notes due 2024. During 2020, we recorded a $98 million loss on early extinguishment of debt that primarily reflects the payment of premiums and the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs in connection with the full redemption of the 5.00% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2025 and the partial redemption of the 4.25% First Lien Senior Notes due 2024. During 2019, we recorded a $23 million loss on early extinguishment of debt, which primarily reflects the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts in connection with the prepayment and refinancing of the Term Loan B and the redemption of the entire outstanding principal balance of the 4.625% first lien secured notes due January 15, 2022.
Maturities
The aggregate maturities of our long-term debt as of December 31, 2021 are as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,Principal Amount
2022$62 
202398 
2024108 
2025750 
20266,148 
Thereafter5,950 
Total$13,116 
Interest Expense, net
Interest expense, net consists of the following (in millions):
202120202019
Debt (a)$461 $471 $503 
Finance lease obligations20 20 20 
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount27 26 29 
Interest income(3)(9)(20)
Interest expense, net$505 $508 $532 
(a)Amount includes $45 million, $69 million and $70 million benefit during 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to the quarterly net settlements of our cross-currency rate swaps and amortization of the Excluded Component as defined in Note 12, Derivatives.
v3.22.0.1
Leases
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]  
Leases Leases
As of December 31, 2021, we leased or subleased 5,069 restaurant properties to franchisees and 164 non-restaurant properties to third parties under operating leases, direct financing leases and sales-type leases where we are the lessor. Initial lease terms generally range from 10 to 20 years. Most leases to franchisees provide for fixed monthly payments and many provide for future rent escalations and renewal options. Certain leases also include provisions for variable rent, determined as a percentage of sales, generally when annual sales exceed specific levels. Lessees typically bear the cost of maintenance, insurance and property taxes.
We lease land, buildings, equipment, office space and warehouse space from third parties. Land and building leases generally have an initial term of 10 to 20 years, while land-only lease terms can extend longer, and most leases provide for fixed monthly payments. Many of these leases provide for future rent escalations and renewal options. Certain leases also include provisions for variable rent payments, determined as a percentage of sales, generally when annual sales exceed specified levels. Most leases also obligate us to pay, as lessee, variable lease cost related to maintenance, insurance and property taxes.
We transitioned to ASC 842 on January 1, 2019 on a modified retrospective basis using the effective date transition method. Our transition to ASC 842 represents a change in accounting principle. The $21 million cumulative effect of our transition to ASC 842 is reflected as an adjustment to January 1, 2019 Shareholders' equity.
Company as Lessor
Assets leased to franchisees and others under operating leases where we are the lessor and which are included within our property and equipment, net are as follows (in millions):
 As of December 31,
 20212020
Land$899 $892 
Buildings and improvements1,180 1,146 
Restaurant equipment18 19 
2,097 2,057 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(587)(534)
Property and equipment leased, net$1,510 $1,523 
Our net investment in direct financing and sales-type leases is as follows (in millions):
 As of December 31,
 20212020
Future rents to be received:
Future minimum lease receipts$113 $87 
Contingent rents (a)12 
Estimated unguaranteed residual value
Unearned income(40)(34)
85 72 
Current portion included within accounts receivables(5)(6)
Net investment in property leased to franchisees$80 $66 
(a)Amounts represent estimated contingent rents recorded in connection with the acquisition method of accounting.
During 2021 and 2020, we offered rent relief programs for eligible TH and BK franchisees who lease property from us, under which we temporarily converted the rent structure from a combination of fixed plus variable rent to 100% variable rent (the “rent relief programs”). The rent relief program concluded for BK franchisees during the three months ended September 30, 2020 and the rent relief program was extended through the end of 2021 for eligible TH franchisees.
In April 2020, the FASB staff issued interpretive guidance that permits entities to make an election to account for lease concessions related to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic consistent with how those concessions would be accounted for under ASC 842, as though enforceable rights and obligations for those concessions existed. We elected to apply this interpretive guidance to the rent relief programs while in effect. As such, reductions in rents arising from the rent relief programs are recognized as reductions in variable lease payments.
Property revenues are comprised primarily of rental income from operating leases and earned income on direct financing leases with franchisees as follows (in millions):
202120202019
Rental income:
Minimum lease payments$455 $445 $448 
Variable lease payments329 262 370 
Amortization of favorable and unfavorable income lease contracts, net
Subtotal - lease income from operating leases787 713 825 
Earned income on direct financing and sales-type leases
Total property revenues$793 $718 $833 

Company as Lessee
Lease cost and other information associated with these lease commitments is as follows (in millions):
Lease Cost (Income)
202120202019
Operating lease cost$202 $199 $210 
Operating lease variable lease cost193 177 198 
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets31 29 27 
Interest on lease liabilities20 20 20 
Sublease income(587)(534)(631)
Total lease cost (income)$(141)$(109)$(176)
Lease Term and Discount Rate as of December 31, 2021 and 2020
As of December 31,
20212020
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years):
Operating leases10.1 years10.5 years
Finance leases11.4 years11.3 years
Weighted-average discount rate:
Operating leases5.5 %5.9 %
Finance leases6.0 %6.5 %
Other Information for 2021, 2020 and 2019
202120202019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$200 $200 $194 
Operating cash flows from finance leases$20 $20 $20 
Financing cash flows from finance leases$31 $29 $26 
Supplemental noncash information on lease liabilities arising from obtaining right-of-use assets:
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease obligations$52 $59 $18 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease obligations$133 $118 $163 

As of December 31, 2021, future minimum lease receipts and commitments are as follows (in millions):
 Lease ReceiptsLease Commitments (a)
 Direct
Financing
and Sales-Type Leases
Operating
Leases
Finance
Leases
Operating
Leases
2022$$404 $52 $197 
2023382 50 186 
2024350 48 173 
2025316 45 158 
2026278 41 140 
Thereafter76 1,374 262 675 
Total minimum receipts / payments$113 $3,104 498 1,529 
Less amount representing interest(131)(319)
Present value of minimum lease payments367 1,210 
Current portion of lease obligations(34)(140)
Long-term portion of lease obligations$333 $1,070 
(a)Minimum lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $1,953 million due in the future under non-cancelable subleases.
Leases Leases
As of December 31, 2021, we leased or subleased 5,069 restaurant properties to franchisees and 164 non-restaurant properties to third parties under operating leases, direct financing leases and sales-type leases where we are the lessor. Initial lease terms generally range from 10 to 20 years. Most leases to franchisees provide for fixed monthly payments and many provide for future rent escalations and renewal options. Certain leases also include provisions for variable rent, determined as a percentage of sales, generally when annual sales exceed specific levels. Lessees typically bear the cost of maintenance, insurance and property taxes.
We lease land, buildings, equipment, office space and warehouse space from third parties. Land and building leases generally have an initial term of 10 to 20 years, while land-only lease terms can extend longer, and most leases provide for fixed monthly payments. Many of these leases provide for future rent escalations and renewal options. Certain leases also include provisions for variable rent payments, determined as a percentage of sales, generally when annual sales exceed specified levels. Most leases also obligate us to pay, as lessee, variable lease cost related to maintenance, insurance and property taxes.
We transitioned to ASC 842 on January 1, 2019 on a modified retrospective basis using the effective date transition method. Our transition to ASC 842 represents a change in accounting principle. The $21 million cumulative effect of our transition to ASC 842 is reflected as an adjustment to January 1, 2019 Shareholders' equity.
Company as Lessor
Assets leased to franchisees and others under operating leases where we are the lessor and which are included within our property and equipment, net are as follows (in millions):
 As of December 31,
 20212020
Land$899 $892 
Buildings and improvements1,180 1,146 
Restaurant equipment18 19 
2,097 2,057 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(587)(534)
Property and equipment leased, net$1,510 $1,523 
Our net investment in direct financing and sales-type leases is as follows (in millions):
 As of December 31,
 20212020
Future rents to be received:
Future minimum lease receipts$113 $87 
Contingent rents (a)12 
Estimated unguaranteed residual value
Unearned income(40)(34)
85 72 
Current portion included within accounts receivables(5)(6)
Net investment in property leased to franchisees$80 $66 
(a)Amounts represent estimated contingent rents recorded in connection with the acquisition method of accounting.
During 2021 and 2020, we offered rent relief programs for eligible TH and BK franchisees who lease property from us, under which we temporarily converted the rent structure from a combination of fixed plus variable rent to 100% variable rent (the “rent relief programs”). The rent relief program concluded for BK franchisees during the three months ended September 30, 2020 and the rent relief program was extended through the end of 2021 for eligible TH franchisees.
In April 2020, the FASB staff issued interpretive guidance that permits entities to make an election to account for lease concessions related to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic consistent with how those concessions would be accounted for under ASC 842, as though enforceable rights and obligations for those concessions existed. We elected to apply this interpretive guidance to the rent relief programs while in effect. As such, reductions in rents arising from the rent relief programs are recognized as reductions in variable lease payments.
Property revenues are comprised primarily of rental income from operating leases and earned income on direct financing leases with franchisees as follows (in millions):
202120202019
Rental income:
Minimum lease payments$455 $445 $448 
Variable lease payments329 262 370 
Amortization of favorable and unfavorable income lease contracts, net
Subtotal - lease income from operating leases787 713 825 
Earned income on direct financing and sales-type leases
Total property revenues$793 $718 $833 

Company as Lessee
Lease cost and other information associated with these lease commitments is as follows (in millions):
Lease Cost (Income)
202120202019
Operating lease cost$202 $199 $210 
Operating lease variable lease cost193 177 198 
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets31 29 27 
Interest on lease liabilities20 20 20 
Sublease income(587)(534)(631)
Total lease cost (income)$(141)$(109)$(176)
Lease Term and Discount Rate as of December 31, 2021 and 2020
As of December 31,
20212020
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years):
Operating leases10.1 years10.5 years
Finance leases11.4 years11.3 years
Weighted-average discount rate:
Operating leases5.5 %5.9 %
Finance leases6.0 %6.5 %
Other Information for 2021, 2020 and 2019
202120202019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$200 $200 $194 
Operating cash flows from finance leases$20 $20 $20 
Financing cash flows from finance leases$31 $29 $26 
Supplemental noncash information on lease liabilities arising from obtaining right-of-use assets:
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease obligations$52 $59 $18 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease obligations$133 $118 $163 

As of December 31, 2021, future minimum lease receipts and commitments are as follows (in millions):
 Lease ReceiptsLease Commitments (a)
 Direct
Financing
and Sales-Type Leases
Operating
Leases
Finance
Leases
Operating
Leases
2022$$404 $52 $197 
2023382 50 186 
2024350 48 173 
2025316 45 158 
2026278 41 140 
Thereafter76 1,374 262 675 
Total minimum receipts / payments$113 $3,104 498 1,529 
Less amount representing interest(131)(319)
Present value of minimum lease payments367 1,210 
Current portion of lease obligations(34)(140)
Long-term portion of lease obligations$333 $1,070 
(a)Minimum lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $1,953 million due in the future under non-cancelable subleases.
Leases Leases
As of December 31, 2021, we leased or subleased 5,069 restaurant properties to franchisees and 164 non-restaurant properties to third parties under operating leases, direct financing leases and sales-type leases where we are the lessor. Initial lease terms generally range from 10 to 20 years. Most leases to franchisees provide for fixed monthly payments and many provide for future rent escalations and renewal options. Certain leases also include provisions for variable rent, determined as a percentage of sales, generally when annual sales exceed specific levels. Lessees typically bear the cost of maintenance, insurance and property taxes.
We lease land, buildings, equipment, office space and warehouse space from third parties. Land and building leases generally have an initial term of 10 to 20 years, while land-only lease terms can extend longer, and most leases provide for fixed monthly payments. Many of these leases provide for future rent escalations and renewal options. Certain leases also include provisions for variable rent payments, determined as a percentage of sales, generally when annual sales exceed specified levels. Most leases also obligate us to pay, as lessee, variable lease cost related to maintenance, insurance and property taxes.
We transitioned to ASC 842 on January 1, 2019 on a modified retrospective basis using the effective date transition method. Our transition to ASC 842 represents a change in accounting principle. The $21 million cumulative effect of our transition to ASC 842 is reflected as an adjustment to January 1, 2019 Shareholders' equity.
Company as Lessor
Assets leased to franchisees and others under operating leases where we are the lessor and which are included within our property and equipment, net are as follows (in millions):
 As of December 31,
 20212020
Land$899 $892 
Buildings and improvements1,180 1,146 
Restaurant equipment18 19 
2,097 2,057 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(587)(534)
Property and equipment leased, net$1,510 $1,523 
Our net investment in direct financing and sales-type leases is as follows (in millions):
 As of December 31,
 20212020
Future rents to be received:
Future minimum lease receipts$113 $87 
Contingent rents (a)12 
Estimated unguaranteed residual value
Unearned income(40)(34)
85 72 
Current portion included within accounts receivables(5)(6)
Net investment in property leased to franchisees$80 $66 
(a)Amounts represent estimated contingent rents recorded in connection with the acquisition method of accounting.
During 2021 and 2020, we offered rent relief programs for eligible TH and BK franchisees who lease property from us, under which we temporarily converted the rent structure from a combination of fixed plus variable rent to 100% variable rent (the “rent relief programs”). The rent relief program concluded for BK franchisees during the three months ended September 30, 2020 and the rent relief program was extended through the end of 2021 for eligible TH franchisees.
In April 2020, the FASB staff issued interpretive guidance that permits entities to make an election to account for lease concessions related to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic consistent with how those concessions would be accounted for under ASC 842, as though enforceable rights and obligations for those concessions existed. We elected to apply this interpretive guidance to the rent relief programs while in effect. As such, reductions in rents arising from the rent relief programs are recognized as reductions in variable lease payments.
Property revenues are comprised primarily of rental income from operating leases and earned income on direct financing leases with franchisees as follows (in millions):
202120202019
Rental income:
Minimum lease payments$455 $445 $448 
Variable lease payments329 262 370 
Amortization of favorable and unfavorable income lease contracts, net
Subtotal - lease income from operating leases787 713 825 
Earned income on direct financing and sales-type leases
Total property revenues$793 $718 $833 

Company as Lessee
Lease cost and other information associated with these lease commitments is as follows (in millions):
Lease Cost (Income)
202120202019
Operating lease cost$202 $199 $210 
Operating lease variable lease cost193 177 198 
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets31 29 27 
Interest on lease liabilities20 20 20 
Sublease income(587)(534)(631)
Total lease cost (income)$(141)$(109)$(176)
Lease Term and Discount Rate as of December 31, 2021 and 2020
As of December 31,
20212020
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years):
Operating leases10.1 years10.5 years
Finance leases11.4 years11.3 years
Weighted-average discount rate:
Operating leases5.5 %5.9 %
Finance leases6.0 %6.5 %
Other Information for 2021, 2020 and 2019
202120202019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$200 $200 $194 
Operating cash flows from finance leases$20 $20 $20 
Financing cash flows from finance leases$31 $29 $26 
Supplemental noncash information on lease liabilities arising from obtaining right-of-use assets:
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease obligations$52 $59 $18 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease obligations$133 $118 $163 

As of December 31, 2021, future minimum lease receipts and commitments are as follows (in millions):
 Lease ReceiptsLease Commitments (a)
 Direct
Financing
and Sales-Type Leases
Operating
Leases
Finance
Leases
Operating
Leases
2022$$404 $52 $197 
2023382 50 186 
2024350 48 173 
2025316 45 158 
2026278 41 140 
Thereafter76 1,374 262 675 
Total minimum receipts / payments$113 $3,104 498 1,529 
Less amount representing interest(131)(319)
Present value of minimum lease payments367 1,210 
Current portion of lease obligations(34)(140)
Long-term portion of lease obligations$333 $1,070 
(a)Minimum lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $1,953 million due in the future under non-cancelable subleases.
Leases Leases
As of December 31, 2021, we leased or subleased 5,069 restaurant properties to franchisees and 164 non-restaurant properties to third parties under operating leases, direct financing leases and sales-type leases where we are the lessor. Initial lease terms generally range from 10 to 20 years. Most leases to franchisees provide for fixed monthly payments and many provide for future rent escalations and renewal options. Certain leases also include provisions for variable rent, determined as a percentage of sales, generally when annual sales exceed specific levels. Lessees typically bear the cost of maintenance, insurance and property taxes.
We lease land, buildings, equipment, office space and warehouse space from third parties. Land and building leases generally have an initial term of 10 to 20 years, while land-only lease terms can extend longer, and most leases provide for fixed monthly payments. Many of these leases provide for future rent escalations and renewal options. Certain leases also include provisions for variable rent payments, determined as a percentage of sales, generally when annual sales exceed specified levels. Most leases also obligate us to pay, as lessee, variable lease cost related to maintenance, insurance and property taxes.
We transitioned to ASC 842 on January 1, 2019 on a modified retrospective basis using the effective date transition method. Our transition to ASC 842 represents a change in accounting principle. The $21 million cumulative effect of our transition to ASC 842 is reflected as an adjustment to January 1, 2019 Shareholders' equity.
Company as Lessor
Assets leased to franchisees and others under operating leases where we are the lessor and which are included within our property and equipment, net are as follows (in millions):
 As of December 31,
 20212020
Land$899 $892 
Buildings and improvements1,180 1,146 
Restaurant equipment18 19 
2,097 2,057 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(587)(534)
Property and equipment leased, net$1,510 $1,523 
Our net investment in direct financing and sales-type leases is as follows (in millions):
 As of December 31,
 20212020
Future rents to be received:
Future minimum lease receipts$113 $87 
Contingent rents (a)12 
Estimated unguaranteed residual value
Unearned income(40)(34)
85 72 
Current portion included within accounts receivables(5)(6)
Net investment in property leased to franchisees$80 $66 
(a)Amounts represent estimated contingent rents recorded in connection with the acquisition method of accounting.
During 2021 and 2020, we offered rent relief programs for eligible TH and BK franchisees who lease property from us, under which we temporarily converted the rent structure from a combination of fixed plus variable rent to 100% variable rent (the “rent relief programs”). The rent relief program concluded for BK franchisees during the three months ended September 30, 2020 and the rent relief program was extended through the end of 2021 for eligible TH franchisees.
In April 2020, the FASB staff issued interpretive guidance that permits entities to make an election to account for lease concessions related to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic consistent with how those concessions would be accounted for under ASC 842, as though enforceable rights and obligations for those concessions existed. We elected to apply this interpretive guidance to the rent relief programs while in effect. As such, reductions in rents arising from the rent relief programs are recognized as reductions in variable lease payments.
Property revenues are comprised primarily of rental income from operating leases and earned income on direct financing leases with franchisees as follows (in millions):
202120202019
Rental income:
Minimum lease payments$455 $445 $448 
Variable lease payments329 262 370 
Amortization of favorable and unfavorable income lease contracts, net
Subtotal - lease income from operating leases787 713 825 
Earned income on direct financing and sales-type leases
Total property revenues$793 $718 $833 

Company as Lessee
Lease cost and other information associated with these lease commitments is as follows (in millions):
Lease Cost (Income)
202120202019
Operating lease cost$202 $199 $210 
Operating lease variable lease cost193 177 198 
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets31 29 27 
Interest on lease liabilities20 20 20 
Sublease income(587)(534)(631)
Total lease cost (income)$(141)$(109)$(176)
Lease Term and Discount Rate as of December 31, 2021 and 2020
As of December 31,
20212020
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years):
Operating leases10.1 years10.5 years
Finance leases11.4 years11.3 years
Weighted-average discount rate:
Operating leases5.5 %5.9 %
Finance leases6.0 %6.5 %
Other Information for 2021, 2020 and 2019
202120202019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$200 $200 $194 
Operating cash flows from finance leases$20 $20 $20 
Financing cash flows from finance leases$31 $29 $26 
Supplemental noncash information on lease liabilities arising from obtaining right-of-use assets:
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease obligations$52 $59 $18 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease obligations$133 $118 $163 

As of December 31, 2021, future minimum lease receipts and commitments are as follows (in millions):
 Lease ReceiptsLease Commitments (a)
 Direct
Financing
and Sales-Type Leases
Operating
Leases
Finance
Leases
Operating
Leases
2022$$404 $52 $197 
2023382 50 186 
2024350 48 173 
2025316 45 158 
2026278 41 140 
Thereafter76 1,374 262 675 
Total minimum receipts / payments$113 $3,104 498 1,529 
Less amount representing interest(131)(319)
Present value of minimum lease payments367 1,210 
Current portion of lease obligations(34)(140)
Long-term portion of lease obligations$333 $1,070 
(a)Minimum lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $1,953 million due in the future under non-cancelable subleases.
v3.22.0.1
Income Taxes
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes Income Taxes
Income before income taxes, classified by source of income (loss), is as follows (in millions):
202120202019
Canadian$457 $200 $685 
Foreign906 616 767 
Income before income taxes$1,363 $816 $1,452 

Income tax (benefit) expense attributable to income from continuing operations consists of the following (in millions):
202120202019
Current:
Canadian$16 $45 $47 
U.S. Federal(10)125 122 
U.S. state, net of federal income tax benefit25 26 20 
Other Foreign84 78 94 
$115 $274 $283 
Deferred:
Canadian$32 $(67)$43 
U.S. Federal(37)(82)
U.S. state, net of federal income tax benefit(7)(27)— 
Other Foreign(32)
$(5)$(208)$58 
Income tax expense (benefit)$110 $66 $341 
The statutory rate reconciles to the effective income tax rate as follows:

202120202019
Statutory rate26.5 %26.5 %26.5 %
Costs and taxes related to foreign operations3.5 9.6 4.7 
Foreign exchange gain (loss)— 0.5 0.1 
Foreign tax rate differential(13.9)(15.6)(10.8)
Change in valuation allowance1.1 1.2 0.5 
Change in accrual for tax uncertainties(7.4)3.9 5.0 
Intercompany financing(3.5)(6.1)(2.4)
Impact of Tax Act— (7.8)(0.1)
Swiss Tax Reform— (5.1)1.1 
Benefit from stock option exercises(0.8)(0.3)(2.2)
Litigation settlements and reserves1.4 — — 
Other1.2 1.2 1.1 
Effective income tax rate8.1 %8.0 %23.5 %
In December 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) that significantly revised the U.S. tax code. During 2020, various guidance was issued by the U.S. tax authorities relating to the Tax Act and, after review of such guidance, we recorded a favorable adjustment to our deferred tax assets of $64 million related to a tax attribute carryforward, which decreased our 2020 effective tax rate by 7.8%.
In a referendum held on May 19, 2019, Swiss voters adopted the Federal Act on Tax Reform and AVS Financing (“TRAF”), under which certain long-standing preferential cantonal tax regimes were abolished effective January 1, 2020, which the canton of Zug formally adopted in November 2019. Company subsidiaries in the canton of Zug were subjected to TRAF and therefore the TRAF impacted our consolidated results of operations during 2020 and 2019. In 2020, a deferred tax asset was recorded due to an election made under TRAF by one of our Swiss subsidiaries and, in 2019, our Swiss company subsidiaries remeasured their deferred tax assets and liabilities based on new future tax rates expected under TRAF. The amounts impacting income tax expense for the effects of the changes from the TRAF were approximately $41 million in 2020 which decreased our 2020 effective tax rate by approximately 5.1%, and approximately $16 million in 2019 which increased our 2019 effective tax rate by approximately 1.1%.
Companies subject to the Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income provision (GILTI) have the option to account for the GILTI tax as a period cost if and when incurred, or to recognize deferred taxes for outside basis temporary differences expected to reverse as GILTI. We have elected to account for GILTI as a period cost.
Income tax (benefit) expense allocated to continuing operations and amounts separately allocated to other items was (in millions):

202120202019
Income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations$110 $66 $341 
Cash flow hedge in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)72 (64)(23)
Net investment hedge in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(15)(60)(32)
Foreign Currency Translation in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(4)12 — 
Pension liability in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(3)(1)
Total$166 $(49)$285 
The significant components of deferred income tax (benefit) expense attributable to income from continuing operations are as follows (in millions):

202120202019
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense$(22)$(230)$30 
Change in valuation allowance14 22 
Change in effective Canadian income tax rate— — (1)
Change in effective U.S. state income tax rate
Change in effective foreign income tax rate— (1)16 
Total$(5)$(208)$58 
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below (in millions):

 As of December 31,
 20212020
Deferred tax assets:
Accounts and notes receivable$$
Accrued employee benefits48 54 
Leases115 114 
Operating lease liabilities317 323 
Liabilities not currently deductible for tax346 310 
Tax loss and credit carryforwards517 547 
Derivatives164 225 
Other(1)
Total gross deferred tax assets1,510 1,588 
Valuation allowance(356)(364)
Net deferred tax assets1,154 1,224 
Less deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation15 35 
Intangible assets1,751 1,747 
Leases129 114 
Operating lease assets295 311 
Statutory impairment29 30 
Outside basis difference38 46 
Total gross deferred tax liabilities2,257 2,283 
Net deferred tax liability$1,103 $1,059 
The valuation allowance had a net decrease of $8 million during 2021 primarily due to the change in estimates related to derivatives and the utilization of foreign tax credits and capital losses.
Changes in the valuation allowance are as follows (in millions):

202120202019
Beginning balance$364 $329 $325 
Change in estimates recorded to deferred income tax expense14 19 
Changes in losses and credits— (2)
(Reductions) additions related to other comprehensive income(22)13 (2)
Ending balance$356 $364 $329 
The gross amount and expiration dates of operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards as of December 31, 2021 are as follows (in millions):

AmountExpiration Date
Canadian net operating loss carryforwards$728 2036-2041
Canadian capital loss carryforwards866 Indefinite
Canadian tax credits2023-2036
U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards680 2022-2041
U.S. capital loss carryforwards16 2040
U.S. foreign tax credits112 2022-2031
Other foreign net operating loss carryforwards207 Indefinite
Other foreign net operating loss carryforwards77 2022-2038
Other foreign capital loss carryforward30 Indefinite
Total$2,719 
We are generally permanently reinvested on any potential outside basis differences except for unremitted earning and profits and thus do not record a deferred tax liability for such outside basis differences. To the extent of unremitted earning and profits, we generally review various factors including, but not limited to, forecasts and budgets of financial needs of cash for working capital, liquidity and expected cash requirements to fund our various obligations and record deferred taxes to the extent we expect to distribute. We will continue to monitor available evidence and our plans for foreign earnings and expect to continue to provide any applicable deferred taxes based on the tax liability or withholding taxes that would be due upon repatriation of amounts not considered permanently reinvested.
We had $437 million and $497 million of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, which if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in millions):

202120202019
Beginning balance$497 $506 $441 
Additions for tax positions related to the current year
Additions for tax positions of prior years23 56 
Reductions for tax positions of prior year(5)(25)— 
Additions for settlement— — 
Reductions due to statute expiration(94)— — 
Ending balance$437 $497 $506 
Although the timing of the resolution, settlement, and closure of any audits is highly uncertain, it is reasonably possible that the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits could significantly change in the next 12 months. During the twelve months beginning January 1, 2022, it is reasonably possible we will reduce unrecognized tax benefits by up to approximately $328 million due to the expiration of statutes of limitations, anticipated closure of various tax matters currently under examination, and settlements with tax authorities all being possibly impacted in multiple jurisdictions.
We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. The total amount of accrued interest and penalties was $121 million and $123 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Potential interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions in various jurisdictions recognized was $2 million during 2021, $31 million during 2020 and $41 million during 2019. To the extent interest and penalties are not assessed with respect to uncertain tax positions, amounts accrued will be reduced and reflected as a reduction of the overall income tax provision.
We file income tax returns with Canada and its provinces and territories. Generally, we are subject to routine examinations by the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”). The CRA is conducting examinations of the 2015 through 2016 taxation years. Additionally, income tax returns filed with various provincial jurisdictions are generally open to examination for periods up to six years subsequent to the filing of the respective return.
We also file income tax returns, including returns for our subsidiaries, with U.S. federal, U.S. state, and other foreign jurisdictions. We are subject to routine examination by taxing authorities in the U.S. jurisdictions, as well as other foreign tax jurisdictions. None of the other foreign jurisdictions have been individually material. Taxable years 2014 through 2017 for our U.S. companies for U.S. federal income tax purposes closed in 2021 without material adjustments. Prior taxable years of such U.S. companies are closed for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We have various U.S. state and other foreign income tax returns in the process of examination. From time to time, these audits result in proposed assessments where the ultimate resolution may result in owing additional taxes. We believe that our tax positions comply with applicable tax law and that we have adequately provided for these matters.
v3.22.0.1
Derivative Instruments
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments
Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
We enter into derivative instruments for risk management purposes, including derivatives designated as cash flow hedges and derivatives designated as net investment hedges. We use derivatives to manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and currency exchange rates.
Interest Rate Swaps
At December 31, 2021, we had outstanding receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swaps with a total notional value of $3,500 million to hedge the variability in the interest payments on a portion of our Term Loan Facilities, including any subsequent refinancing or replacement of the Term Loan Facilities, beginning August 31, 2021 through the termination date of October 31, 2028. Additionally, at December 31, 2021, we also had outstanding receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swaps with a total notional value of $500 million to hedge the variability in the interest payments on a portion of our Term Loan Facilities effective September 30, 2019 through the termination date of September 30, 2026. At inception, all of these interest rate swaps were designated as cash flow hedges for hedge accounting. The unrealized changes in market value are recorded in AOCI and reclassified into earnings during the period in which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings.
During 2021, we extended the maturity of our $3,500 million receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swaps. The extension of the term resulted in a de-designation and re-designation of the interest rate swaps and the swaps continue to be accounted for as a cash flow hedge for hedge accounting. In connection with the de-designation, we recognized a net unrealized loss of $143 million in AOCI and this amount gets reclassified into Interest expense, net as the original forecasted transaction affects earnings. The amount of pre-tax losses in connection with this net unrealized loss in AOCI as of December 31, 2021 that we expect to be reclassified into interest expense within the next 12 months is $28 million.
We had previously extended the term of our $3,500 million receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swaps in 2019 to align the maturity date of the interest rate swaps with the new maturity date of our Term Loan B. The extension of the term resulted in a de-designation and re-designation of the interest rate swaps and the swaps continue to be accounted for as a cash flow hedge for hedge accounting. In connection with the de-designation, we recognized a net unrealized loss of $213 million in AOCI and this amount gets reclassified into Interest expense, net as the original forecasted transaction affects earnings. The amount of pre-tax losses in connection with this net unrealized loss in AOCI as of December 31, 2021 that we expect to be reclassified into interest expense within the next 12 months is $50 million.
Cross-Currency Rate Swaps
To protect the value of our investments in our foreign operations against adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates, we hedge a portion of our net investment in one or more of our foreign subsidiaries by using cross-currency rate swaps. At December 31, 2021, we had outstanding cross-currency rate swap contracts between the Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar and the Euro and U.S. dollar that have been designated as net investment hedges of a portion of our equity in foreign operations in those currencies. The component of the gains and losses on our net investment in these designated foreign operations driven by changes in foreign exchange rates are economically partly offset by movements in the fair value of our cross-currency swap contracts. The fair value of the swaps is calculated each period with changes in fair value reported in AOCI, net of tax. Such amounts will remain in AOCI until the complete or substantially complete liquidation of our investment in the underlying foreign operations.
At December 31, 2021, we had outstanding fixed-to-fixed cross-currency rate swaps to partially hedge the net investment in our Canadian subsidiaries. At inception, these cross-currency rate swaps were designated as a hedge and are accounted for as net investment hedges. These swaps are contracts to exchange quarterly fixed-rate interest payments we make on the Canadian dollar notional amount of C$6,754 million for quarterly fixed-rate interest payments we receive on the U.S. dollar notional amount of $5,000 million through the maturity date of June 30, 2023.
At December 31, 2021, we had outstanding cross-currency rate swaps in which we pay quarterly fixed-rate interest payments on the Euro notional amount of €1,108 million and receive quarterly fixed-rate interest payments on the U.S. dollar notional amount of $1,200 million. At inception, these cross-currency rate swaps were designated as a hedge and are accounted for as a net investment hedge. During 2018, we extended the term of the swaps from March 31, 2021 to the maturity date of February 17, 2024. The extension of the term resulted in a re-designation of the hedge and the swaps continue to be accounted for as a net investment hedge. Additionally, at December 31, 2021, we also had outstanding cross-currency rate swaps in which we receive quarterly fixed-rate interest payments on the U.S. dollar notional value of $400 million, entered during 2018, and $500 million, entered during 2019, through the maturity date of February 17, 2024 and $150 million, entered during 2021, through the maturity date of October 31, 2028. At inception, these cross-currency rate swaps were designated as a hedge and are accounted for as a net investment hedge.
The fixed to fixed cross-currency rate swaps hedging Canadian dollar and Euro net investments utilized the forward method of effectiveness assessment prior to March 15, 2018. On March 15, 2018, we de-designated and subsequently re-designated the outstanding fixed to fixed cross-currency rate swaps to prospectively use the spot method of hedge effectiveness assessment. Additionally, as a result of adopting new hedge accounting guidance during 2018, we elected to exclude the interest component (the "Excluded Component") from the accounting hedge without affecting net investment hedge accounting and elected to amortize the Excluded Component over the life of the derivative instrument. The amortization of the Excluded Component is recognized in Interest expense, net in the consolidated statement of operations. The change in fair value that is not related to the Excluded Component is recorded in AOCI and will be reclassified to earnings when the foreign subsidiaries are sold or substantially liquidated.
Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts
We use foreign exchange derivative instruments to manage the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on U.S. dollar purchases and payments, such as coffee purchases made by our Canadian Tim Hortons operations. At December 31, 2021, we had outstanding forward currency contracts to manage this risk in which we sell Canadian dollars and buy U.S. dollars with a notional value of $171 million with maturities to February 2023. We have designated these instruments as cash flow hedges, and as such, the unrealized changes in market value of effective hedges are recorded in AOCI and are reclassified into earnings during the period in which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings.
Credit Risk
By entering into derivative contracts, we are exposed to counterparty credit risk. Counterparty credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. When the fair value of a derivative contract is in an asset position, the counterparty has a liability to us, which creates credit risk for us. We attempt to minimize this risk by selecting counterparties with investment grade credit ratings and regularly monitoring our market position with each counterparty.
Credit-Risk Related Contingent Features
Our derivative instruments do not contain any credit-risk related contingent features.
Quantitative Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurements
The following tables present the required quantitative disclosures for our derivative instruments, including their estimated fair values (all estimated using Level 2 inputs) and their location on our consolidated balance sheets (in millions):
 Gain or (Loss) Recognized in
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 202120202019
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges(1)
Interest rate swaps$132 $(333)$(102)
Forward-currency contracts$— $(2)$(4)
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges
Cross-currency rate swaps$96 $(302)$(118)
(1) We did not exclude any components from the cash flow hedge relationships presented in this table.
Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into EarningsGain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into
Earnings
 202120202019
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Interest rate swapsInterest expense, net$(125)$(102)$(26)
Forward-currency contractsCost of sales$(7)$$
 Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in EarningsGain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings (Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
 202120202019
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges
Cross-currency rate swapsInterest expense, net$45 $69 $70 
 Fair Value as of
December 31,
 
 20212020Balance Sheet Location
Assets:
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Foreign currency$$— Prepaids and other current assets
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges
Foreign currency23 — Other assets, net
Total assets at fair value$25 $— 
Liabilities:
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Interest rate$220 $430 Other liabilities, net
Foreign currency— Other accrued liabilities
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges
Foreign currency355 434 Other liabilities, net
Total liabilities at fair value$575 $869 
v3.22.0.1
Shareholders' Equity
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Equity [Abstract]  
Shareholders' Equity Shareholders’ Equity
Special Voting Share
The holders of the Partnership exchangeable units are indirectly entitled to vote in respect of matters on which holders of the common shares of the Company are entitled to vote, including in respect of the election of RBI directors, through a special voting share of the Company (the "Special Voting Share"). The Special Voting Share is held by a trustee, entitling the trustee to that number of votes on matters on which holders of common shares of the Company are entitled to vote equal to the number of Partnership exchangeable units outstanding. The trustee is required to cast such votes in accordance with voting instructions provided by holders of Partnership exchangeable units. At any shareholder meeting of the Company, holders of our common shares vote together as a single class with the Special Voting Share except as otherwise provided by law.
Noncontrolling Interests
We reflect a noncontrolling interest which primarily represents the interests of the holders of Partnership exchangeable units in Partnership that are not held by RBI. The holders of Partnership exchangeable units held an economic interest of approximately 31.9% and 33.7% in Partnership common equity through the ownership of 144,993,458 and 155,113,338 Partnership exchangeable units as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement, each holder of a Partnership exchangeable unit is entitled to distributions from Partnership in an amount equal to any dividends or distributions that we declare and pay with respect to our common shares. Additionally, each holder of a Partnership exchangeable unit is entitled to vote in respect of matters on which holders of RBI common shares are entitled to vote through our special voting share. Since December 12, 2015, a holder of a Partnership exchangeable unit may require Partnership to exchange all or any portion of such holder’s Partnership exchangeable units for our common shares at a ratio of one common share for each Partnership exchangeable unit, subject to our right as the general partner of Partnership, in our sole discretion, to deliver a cash payment in lieu of our common shares. If we elect to make a cash payment in lieu of issuing common shares, the amount of the payment will be the weighted average trading price of the common shares on the New York Stock Exchange for the 20 consecutive trading days ending on the last business day prior to the exchange date.
During 2021, Partnership exchanged 10,119,880 Partnership exchangeable units, pursuant to exchange notices received. In accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement, Partnership satisfied the exchange notices by exchanging 10,119,880 Partnership exchangeable units for the same number of newly issued RBI common shares. During 2020, Partnership exchanged 10,393,861 Partnership exchangeable units, pursuant to exchange notices received. In accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement, Partnership satisfied the exchange notices by repurchasing 6,757,692 Partnership exchangeable units for approximately $380 million in cash and exchanging 3,636,169 Partnership exchangeable units for the same number of newly issued RBI common shares. During 2019, Partnership exchanged 42,016,392 Partnership exchangeable units, pursuant to exchange notices received. In accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement, Partnership satisfied the exchange notices by exchanging 42,016,392 Partnership exchangeable units for the same number of newly issued RBI common shares. The exchanges represented increases in our ownership interest in Partnership and were accounted for as equity transactions, with no gain or loss recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. Pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement, upon the exchange of Partnership exchangeable units, each such Partnership exchangeable unit was cancelled concurrently with the exchange.
Share Repurchase
On July 28, 2021, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program that allows us to purchase up to $1,000 million of our common shares until August 10, 2023. During 2021, we repurchased and cancelled 9,247,648 common shares for $551 million.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The following table displays the change in the components of AOCI (in millions):
DerivativesPensionsForeign
Currency
Translation
Accumulated 
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Balances at December 31, 2018$253 $(15)$(1,038)$(800)
Foreign currency translation adjustment— — 409 409 
Net change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax(163)— — (163)
Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax15 — — 15 
Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax— (2)— (2)
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests94 (2)(314)(222)
Balances at December 31, 2019199 (19)(943)(763)
Foreign currency translation adjustment— — 332 332 
Net change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax(486)— — (486)
Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax73 — — 73 
Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax— (16)— (16)
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests145 (144)
Balances at December 31, 2020(69)(30)(755)(854)
Foreign currency translation adjustment— — (67)(67)
Net change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax207 — — 207 
Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax96 — — 96 
Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax— 15 — 15 
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests(98)(6)(3)(107)
Balances at December 31, 2021$136 $(21)$(825)$(710)
v3.22.0.1
Share-based Compensation
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
Share-based Compensation Share-based Compensation
Our Amended and Restated 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”) provides for the grant of awards to employees, directors, consultants and other persons who provide services to us and our affiliates. We also have some outstanding awards under legacy plans for BK and TH, which were assumed in connection with the merger and amalgamation of those entities within the RBI group. No new awards may be granted under these legacy BK plans or legacy TH plans.
We are currently issuing awards under the Omnibus Plan and the number of shares available for issuance under such plan as of December 31, 2021 was 10,122,551. The Omnibus Plan permits the grant of several types of awards with respect to our common shares, including stock options, time-vested RSUs, and performance-based RSUs, which may include Company and/or individual performance based-vesting conditions. Under the terms of the Omnibus Plan, RSUs are entitled to dividend equivalents, unless otherwise noted. Dividend equivalents are not distributed unless the related awards vest. Upon vesting, the amount of the dividend equivalent, which is distributed in additional RSUs, except in the case of RSUs awarded to non-management members of our board of directors, is equal to the equivalent of the aggregate dividends declared on common shares during the period from the date of grant of the award compounded until the date the shares underlying the award are delivered.
Stock option awards are granted with an exercise price or market value equal to the closing price of our common shares on the trading day preceding the date of grant. We satisfy stock option exercises through the issuance of authorized but previously unissued common shares. Stock option grants generally cliff vest 5 years from the original grant date, provided the employee is continuously employed by us or one of our affiliates, and the stock options expire 10 years following the grant date. Additionally, if we terminate the employment of a stock option holder without cause prior to the vesting date, or if the employee retires or becomes disabled, the employee will become vested in the number of stock options as if the stock options vested 20% on each anniversary of the grant date. If the employee dies, the employee will become vested in the number of stock options as if the stock options vested 20% on the first anniversary of the grant date, 40% on the second anniversary of the grant date and 100% on the third anniversary of the grant date. If an employee is terminated with cause or resigns before vesting, all stock options are forfeited. If there is an event such as a return of capital or dividend that is determined to be dilutive, the exercise price of the awards will be adjusted accordingly.
Share-based compensation expense consists of the following for the periods presented (in millions):
202120202019
Total share-based compensation expense - Stock options and RSUs (a)(b)$88 $74 $68 

(a)Includes $2 million, $3 million, and $4 million due to modification of awards in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(b)Generally classified as general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
As of December 31, 2021, total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation arrangements was $189 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.6 years.
The following assumptions were used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of stock option awards at the grant date:
202120202019
Risk-free interest rate1.29%1.29%1.82%
Expected term (in years)5.885.886.19
Expected volatility23.9%23.9%25.5%
Expected dividend yield3.14%3.14%3.09%
The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury or Canadian Sovereign bond yield with a remaining term equal to the expected option life assumed at the date of grant. The expected term was calculated based on the analysis of a five-year vesting period coupled with our expectations of exercise activity. Expected volatility was based on the historical and implied equity volatility of the Company and a review of the equity volatilities of publicly-traded guideline companies. The expected dividend yield is based on the annual dividend yield at the time of grant.
The following is a summary of stock option activity under our plans for the year ended December 31, 2021:
Total Number of
Options 
(in 000’s)
Weighted 
Average
Exercise Price
Aggregate 
Intrinsic
Value (a)
(in 000’s)
Weighted 
Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
(Years)
Outstanding at January 1, 20218,202 $51.86 
Granted15 $65.11 
Exercised(1,594)$37.83 
Forfeited(416)$63.00 
Outstanding at December 31, 20216,207 $54.80 $48,468 5.6
Exercisable at December 31, 20211,961 $39.68 $41,255 3.3
Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 20215,671 $54.10 $47,650 5.5

(a)The intrinsic value represents the amount by which the fair value of our stock exceeds the option exercise price at December 31, 2021.
The weighted-average grant date fair value per stock option granted was $10.15, $10.38, and $11.83 during 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $46 million during 2021, $55 million during 2020, and $200 million during 2019.
The fair value of the time-vested RSUs and performance-based RSUs is based on the closing price of the Company’s common shares on the trading day preceding the date of grant. During 2021, the Company granted total shareholder return (“TSR”) performance-based RSUs that vest over a three year period based on the achievement of contractually defined total shareholder return targets with respect to the S&P 500 Index. The fair value of the TSR awards was based on a Monte Carlo Simulation valuation model and we expense these market condition awards over the vesting period regardless of the value that the award recipients ultimately receive. Time-vested RSUs and performance-based RSUs awarded prior to 2021 generally cliff vest five years from the original grant date. Time-vested RSUs granted in 2021 generally vest 25% per year over four years and performance-based RSUs granted in 2021 cliff vest three years from the original grant date. The Company has awarded a limited number of time-vested RSUs that proportionally vest over a period shorter than four years. Time-vested RSUs are expensed over the vesting period. Performance-based RSUs are expensed over the vesting period, based upon the probability that the performance target will be met. We grant fully vested RSUs, with dividend equivalent rights that accrue in cash, to non-employee members of our board of directors in lieu of a cash retainer and committee fees. All such RSUs will settle and common shares of the Company will be issued upon termination of service by the board member.
Starting in 2021, the time-vested RSUs generally vest 25% per year on December 31st over four years from the grant date and performance-based RSUs generally cliff vest three years from the grant date (the starting date for the applicable vesting period is referred to as the “Anniversary Date”). For grants prior to 2021, if the employee is terminated for any reason within the first two years of the Anniversary Date, 100% of the time-vested RSUs granted will be forfeited. If we terminate the employment of a time-vested RSU holder without cause two years after the Anniversary Date, or if the employee retires, the employee will become vested in the number of time-vested RSUs as if the time-vested RSUs vested 20% for each year after the Anniversary Date. For grants prior to 2021, if the employee is terminated for any reason within the first three years of the Anniversary Date, 100% of the performance-based RSUs granted will be forfeited. If we terminate the employment of a performance-based RSU holder without cause between three and five years after the Anniversary Date, or if the employee retires, the employee will become vested in 50% of the performance-based RSUs. For grants of time-vested RSUs beginning in 2021, if the employee is terminated for any reason prior to any vesting date, the employee will forfeit all of the RSUs that are unvested at the time of termination. For grants of performance-based RSUs beginning in 2021, if the employee is terminated within the first two years of the Anniversary Date, 100% of the performance-based RSUs will be forfeited. If we terminate the employment of a performance-based RSU holder without cause two years after the Anniversary Date, or if the employee retires, the employee will become vested in 67% of the performance-based RSUs that are earned based on the performance criteria. An alternate ratable vesting schedule applies to the extent the participant ends employment by reason of death or disability.
The following is a summary of time-vested RSUs and performance-based RSUs activity for the year ended December 31, 2021:
 Time-vested RSUsPerformance-based RSUs
 Total Number of
Shares
(in 000’s)
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
Total Number of
Shares
(in 000’s)
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
Outstanding at January 1, 20211,761 $49.99 4,869 $56.96 
Granted1,566 $60.97 425 $57.60 
Vested and settled(455)$39.54 (1,189)$38.07 
Dividend equivalents granted68 $— 133 $— 
Forfeited(176)$61.98 (343)$67.36 
Outstanding at December 31, 20212,764 $57.47 3,895 $62.09 
The weighted-average grant date fair value of time-vested RSUs granted was $65.20 and $64.82 during 2020 and 2019, respectively. The weighted-average grant date fair value of performance-based RSUs granted was $62.69 and $65.54 during 2020 and 2019, respectively. The total fair value, determined as of the date of vesting, of RSUs vested and converted to common shares of the Company during 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $99 million, $21 million and $8 million, respectively.
v3.22.0.1
Revenue Recognition
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition
Contract Liabilities
Contract liabilities consist of deferred revenue resulting from initial and renewal franchise fees paid by franchisees, as well as upfront fees paid by master franchisees, which are generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the underlying agreement. We classify these contract liabilities as Other liabilities, net in our consolidated balance sheets. The following table reflects the change in contract liabilities by segment and on a consolidated basis between December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2021 (in millions):
Contract LiabilitiesTHBKPLKConsolidated
Balance at December 31, 2020$62 $427 $39 $528 
Recognized during period and included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the year(9)(44)(4)(57)
Increase, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period12 40 21 73 
Impact of foreign currency translation— (13)— (13)
Balance at December 31, 2021$65 $410 $56 $531 
The following table illustrates estimated revenues expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) by segment and on a consolidated basis as of December 31, 2021 (in millions):
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized inTHBKPLKConsolidated
2022$10 $34 $$48 
202333 46 
202432 45 
202532 44 
202631 40 
Thereafter23 248 37 308 
Total$65 $410 $56 $531 
Disaggregation of Total Revenues
Total revenues consist of the following (in millions):
202120202019
Sales$2,378 $2,013 $2,362 
Royalties1,561 1,327 1,459 
Property revenues793 718 833 
Franchise fees and other revenue98 76 89 
Advertising revenues909 834 860 
Total revenues$5,739 $4,968 $5,603 
v3.22.0.1
Other Operating Expenses (Income), net
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]  
Other Operating Expenses (Income), net Other Operating Expenses (Income), net
Other operating expenses (income), net, consist of the following (in millions):
202120202019
Net losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings$$$
Litigation settlements and reserves, net81 
Net losses (gains) on foreign exchange(76)100 (15)
Other, net— (8)(4)
Other operating expenses (income), net$$105 $(10)
Net losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures, and refranchisings represent sales of properties and other costs related to restaurant closures and refranchisings. Gains and losses recognized in the current period may reflect certain costs related to closures and refranchisings that occurred in previous periods.
Litigation settlements and reserves, net primarily reflects accruals and payments made and proceeds received in connection with litigation and arbitration matters and other business disputes.
In early 2022, we entered into negotiations to resolve business disputes that arose during 2021 with counterparties to the master franchise agreements for Burger King and Popeyes in China. Based on these discussions, we expect to agree to pay approximately $100 million in 2022, including $72 million that is included in Litigation settlements and reserves, net for 2021. Remaining amounts primarily will be recorded as an equity method investment when made.
Net losses (gains) on foreign exchange are primarily related to revaluation of foreign denominated assets and liabilities.
v3.22.0.1
Commitments and Contingencies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies
Letters of Credit
As of December 31, 2021, we had $12 million in irrevocable standby letters of credit outstanding, which were issued primarily to certain insurance carriers to guarantee payments of deductibles for various insurance programs, such as health and commercial liability insurance. Of these letters of credit outstanding, $2 million are secured by the collateral under our Revolving Credit Facility and the remainder are secured by cash collateral. As of December 31, 2021, no amounts had been drawn on any of these irrevocable standby letters of credit.
Purchase Commitments
We have arrangements for information technology and telecommunication services with an aggregate contractual obligation of $33 million over the next three years, some of which have early termination fees. We also enter into commitments to purchase advertising. As of December 31, 2021, these commitments totaled $194 million and run through 2025.
Litigation
From time to time, we are involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business relating to matters including, but not limited to, disputes with franchisees, suppliers, employees and customers, as well as disputes over our intellectual property.
On October 5, 2018, a class action complaint was filed against Burger King Worldwide, Inc. (“BKW”) and Burger King Corporation (“BKC”) in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida by Jarvis Arrington, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated. On October 18, 2018, a second class action complaint was filed against RBI, BKW and BKC in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida by Monique Michel, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated. On October 31, 2018, a third class action complaint was filed against BKC and BKW in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida by Geneva Blanchard and Tiffany Miller, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated. On November 2, 2018, a fourth class action complaint was filed against RBI, BKW and BKC in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida by Sandra Muster, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated. These complaints have been consolidated and allege that the defendants violated Section 1 of the Sherman Act by incorporating an employee no-solicitation and no-hiring clause in the standard form franchise agreement all Burger King franchisees are required to sign. Each plaintiff seeks injunctive relief and damages for himself or herself and other members of the class. On March 24, 2020, the Court granted BKC’s motion to dismiss for failure to state a
claim and on April 20, 2020 the plaintiffs filed a motion for leave to amend their complaint. On April 27, 2020, BKC filed a motion opposing the motion for leave to amend. The court denied the plaintiffs motion for leave to amend their complaint in August 2020 and the plaintiffs appealed this ruling. Oral arguments for the appeal were heard in September 2021 and the parties await a ruling on the appeal. While we currently believe these claims are without merit, we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of this case or estimate the range of possible loss, if any.
In July 2019, a class action complaint was filed against The TDL Group Corp. (“TDL”) in the Supreme Court of British Columbia by Samir Latifi, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated. The complaint alleges that TDL violated the Canadian Competition Act by incorporating an employee no-solicitation and no-hiring clause in the standard form franchise agreement all Tim Hortons franchisees are required to sign. The plaintiff seeks damages and restitution, on behalf of himself and other members of the class. In February 2021, TDL filed and served an application to strike which was heard in May 2021. The court struck the substantial points, including: the claim related to the Canadian Competition Act, the unlawful conspiracy claim, and the claim for unjust enrichment. While we currently believe this claim is without merit, we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of this case or estimate the range of possible loss, if any.
On June 30, 2020, a class action complaint was filed against Restaurant Brands International Inc., Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership and The TDL Group Corp. in the Quebec Superior Court by Steve Holcman, individually and on behalf of all Quebec residents who downloaded the Tim Hortons mobile application. On July 2, 2020, a Notice of Action related to a second class action complaint was filed against Restaurant Brands International Inc., in the Ontario Superior Court by Ashley Sitko and Ashley Cadeau, individually and on behalf of all Canadian residents who downloaded the Tim Hortons mobile application. On August 31, 2020, a notice of claim was filed against Restaurant Brands International Inc. in the Supreme Court of British Columbia by Wai Lam Jacky Law on behalf of all persons in Canada who downloaded the Tim Hortons mobile application or the Burger King mobile application. On September 30, 2020, a notice of action was filed against Restaurant Brands International Inc., Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership, The TDL Group Corp., Burger King Worldwide, Inc. and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice by William Jung on behalf of a to be determined class. All of the complaints allege that the defendants violated the plaintiff’s privacy rights, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, consumer protection and competition laws or app-based undertakings to users, in each case in connection with the collection of geolocation data through the Tim Hortons mobile application, and in certain cases, the Burger King and Popeyes mobile applications. Each plaintiff seeks injunctive relief and monetary damages for himself or herself and other members of the class. These cases are in preliminary stages and we intend to vigorously defend against these lawsuits, but we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of any of these cases or estimate the range of possible loss, if any.
On October 26, 2020, City of Warwick Municipal Employees Pension Fund, a purported stockholder of Restaurant Brands International Inc., individually and putatively on behalf of all other stockholders similarly situated, filed a lawsuit in the Supreme Court of the State of New York County of New York naming RBI and certain of our officers, directors and shareholders as defendants alleging violations of Sections 11, 12(a)(2) and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in connection with certain offerings of securities by an affiliate in August and September 2019. The complaint alleges that the shelf registration statement used in connection with such offering contained certain false and/or misleading statements or omissions. The complaint seeks, among other relief, class certification of the lawsuit, unspecified compensatory damages, rescission, pre-judgement and post-judgement interest, costs and expenses. On December 18, 2020 the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint and on February 16, 2021 RBI filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. The plaintiffs filed a brief in opposition to the motion on April 19, 2021 and RBI filed a reply in May 2021. The motion to dismiss is scheduled to be heard in March 2022. We intend to vigorously defend. While we believe these claims are without merit, we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of this case or estimate the range of possible loss, if any.
v3.22.0.1
Segment Reporting and Geographical Information
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Segment Reporting and Geographical Information Segment Reporting and Geographical Information
As stated in Note 1, Description of Business and Organization, we manage four brands. Under the Tim Hortons brand, we operate in the donut/coffee/tea category of the quick service segment of the restaurant industry. Under the Burger King brand, we operate in the fast food hamburger restaurant category of the quick service segment of the restaurant industry. Under the Popeyes brand, we operate in the chicken category of the quick service segment of the restaurant industry. Under the Firehouse Subs brand, we operate in the specialty subs category of the quick service segment of the restaurant industry. Our business generates revenue from the following sources: (i) franchise and advertising revenues, consisting primarily of royalties and advertising fund contributions based on a percentage of sales reported by franchise restaurants and franchise fees paid by franchisees; (ii) property revenues from properties we lease or sublease to franchisees; and (iii) sales at restaurants owned by us (“Company restaurants”). In addition, our TH business generates revenue from sales to franchisees related to our supply chain operations, including manufacturing, procurement, warehousing and distribution, as well as sales to retailers. We manage each of our brands as an operating segment and each operating segment represents a reportable segment.
Our management structure and financial reporting is organized around our four brands, including the information regularly reviewed by our Chief Executive Officer, who is our Chief Operating Decision Maker. Therefore, we have four operating segments: (1) TH, which includes all operations of our Tim Hortons brand, (2) BK, which includes all operations of our Burger King brand, (3) PLK, which includes all operations of our Popeyes brand, and (4) FHS, which includes all operations of our Firehouse Subs brand. Our four operating segments represent our reportable segments. FHS revenues and segment income for the period from the acquisition date of December 15, 2021 through December 26, 2021 (the fiscal year end for FHS) are included in our consolidated statement of operations for 2021.
The following tables present revenues, by segment and by country, depreciation and amortization, (income) loss from equity method investments, and capital expenditures by segment (in millions):
202120202019
Revenues by operating segment:
TH$3,342 $2,810 $3,344 
BK1,813 1,602 1,777 
PLK579 556 482 
FHS— — 
Total$5,739 $4,968 $5,603 
Revenues by country (a):
Canada$3,035 $2,546 $3,037 
United States2,005 1,889 1,930 
Other699 533 636 
Total$5,739 $4,968 $5,603 
Depreciation and amortization:
TH$132 $119 $112 
BK62 62 62 
PLK11 
Total$201 $189 $185 
(Income) loss from equity method investments:
TH$(13)$(4)$(7)
BK17 43 (4)
Total$$39 $(11)
Capital expenditures:
TH$61 $92 $37 
BK34 18 20 
PLK11 
Total$106 $117 $62 
(a)Only Canada and the United States represented 10% or more of our total revenues in each period presented.
Total assets by segment, and long-lived assets by segment and country are as follows (in millions):
 AssetsLong-Lived Assets
 As of December 31,As of December 31,
 2021202020212020
By operating segment:
TH$13,995 $13,963 $1,963 $1,990 
BK4,946 5,334 1,137 1,128 
PLK2,563 2,525 141 131 
FHS1,103 — — 
Unallocated639 955 — — 
Total$23,246 $22,777 $3,245 $3,249 
By country:
Canada$1,670 $1,685 
United States1,556 1,539 
Other19 25 
Total$3,245 $3,249 
Long-lived assets include property and equipment, net, finance and operating lease right of use assets, net and net investment in property leased to franchisees. Only Canada and the United States represented 10% or more of our total long-lived assets as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
Our measure of segment income is Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA represents earnings (net income or loss) before interest expense, net, loss on early extinguishment of debt, income tax (benefit) expense, and depreciation and amortization, adjusted to exclude (i) the non-cash impact of share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense, (ii) (income) loss from equity method investments, net of cash distributions received from equity method investments, (iii) other operating expenses (income), net and, (iv) income/expenses from non-recurring projects and non-operating activities. For the periods referenced, this included (i) non-recurring fees and expense incurred in connection with the Firehouse Subs acquisition consisting of professional fees and compensation related expenses (“FHS Transaction costs”); (ii) costs from professional advisory and consulting services associated with certain transformational corporate restructuring initiatives that rationalize our structure and optimize cash movements, including services related to significant tax reform legislation, regulations and related restructuring initiatives (“Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees”); and (iii) costs incurred in connection with the centralization and relocation of our Canadian and U.S. restaurant support centers to new offices in Toronto, Ontario, and Miami, Florida, respectively, (“Office centralization and relocation costs”).
Adjusted EBITDA is used by management to measure operating performance of the business, excluding these non-cash and other specifically identified items that management believes are not relevant to management’s assessment of our operating performance. A reconciliation of segment income to net income consists of the following (in millions):
202120202019
Segment income:
TH$997 $823 $1,122 
BK1,021 823 994 
PLK228 218 188 
FHS— — 
Adjusted EBITDA2,248 1,864 2,304 
Share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense102 84 74 
FHS Transaction costs18 — — 
Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees16 16 31 
Office centralization and relocation costs— — 
Impact of equity method investments (a)25 48 11 
Other operating expenses (income), net105 (10)
EBITDA2,080 1,611 2,192 
Depreciation and amortization201 189 185 
Income from operations1,879 1,422 2,007 
Interest expense, net505 508 532 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt11 98 23 
Income tax expense110 66 341 
Net income$1,253 $750 $1,111 

(a)Represents (i) (income) loss from equity method investments and (ii) cash distributions received from our equity method investments. Cash distributions received from our equity method investments are included in segment income.
v3.22.0.1
Subsequent Events
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Subsequent Events [Abstract]  
Subsequent Events Subsequent Events
Dividends
On January 5, 2022, we paid a cash dividend of $0.53 per common share to common shareholders of record on December 21, 2021. On such date, Partnership also made a distribution in respect of each Partnership exchangeable unit in the amount of $0.53 per exchangeable unit to holders of record on December 21, 2021.
On February 15, 2022, we announced that the board of directors had declared a cash dividend of $0.54 per common share for the first quarter of 2022. The dividend will be paid on April 6, 2022 to common shareholders of record on March 23, 2022. Partnership will also make a distribution in respect of each Partnership exchangeable unit in the amount of $0.54 per Partnership exchangeable unit, and the record date and payment date for distributions on Partnership exchangeable units are the same as the record date and payment date set forth above.
v3.22.0.1
Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Fiscal Year Fiscal YearWe operate on a monthly calendar, with a fiscal year that ends on December 31. TH, BK and PLK operate on the same fiscal year. The fiscal year of FHS ends on the Sunday on or before December 31 which was December 26, 2021.
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and related rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Principles of Consolidation
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements (the "Financial Statements") include our accounts and the accounts of entities in which we have a controlling financial interest, the usual condition of which is ownership of a majority voting interest. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in other affiliates that are owned 50% or less where we have significant influence are accounted for by the equity method.
We are the sole general partner of Partnership and, as such we have the exclusive right, power and authority to manage, control, administer and operate the business and affairs and to make decisions regarding the undertaking and business of Partnership, subject to the terms of the partnership agreement of Partnership (“partnership agreement”) and applicable laws. As a result, we consolidate the results of Partnership and record a noncontrolling interest in our consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations with respect to the remaining economic interest in Partnership we do not hold.
We also consider for consolidation entities in which we have certain interests, where the controlling financial interest may be achieved through arrangements that do not involve voting interests. Such an entity, known as a variable interest entity (“VIE”), is required to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that possesses the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that are significant to it. Our maximum exposure to loss resulting from involvement with VIEs is attributable to accounts and notes receivable balances, investment balances, outstanding loan guarantees and future lease payments, where applicable.
As our franchise and master franchise arrangements provide the franchise and master franchise entities the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact their economic performance, we do not consider ourselves the primary beneficiary of any such entity that might be a VIE.
Tim Hortons has historically entered into certain arrangements in which an operator acquires the right to operate a restaurant, but Tim Hortons owns the restaurant’s assets. In these arrangements, Tim Hortons has the ability to determine which operators
manage the restaurants and for what duration. We perform an analysis to determine if the legal entity in which operations are conducted is a VIE and consolidate a VIE entity if we also determine Tim Hortons is the entity’s primary beneficiary (“Restaurant VIEs”). As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, we determined that we are the primary beneficiary of 46 and 38 Restaurant VIEs, respectively, and accordingly, have consolidated the results of operations, assets and liabilities, and cash flows of these Restaurant VIEs in our Financial Statements.
Assets and liabilities related to consolidated VIEs are not significant to our total consolidated assets and liabilities. Liabilities recognized as a result of consolidating these VIEs do not necessarily represent additional claims on our general assets; rather, they represent claims against the specific assets of the consolidated VIEs. Conversely, assets recognized as a result of consolidating these VIEs do not represent additional assets that could be used to satisfy claims by our creditors as they are not legally included within our general assets.
Reclassifications
Reclassifications
Certain prior year amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements have been reclassified in order to be comparable with the current year classifications. These consist of the 2020 and 2019 reclassification of advertising fund contributions from Franchise and property revenues to Advertising revenues and advertising fund expenses from Selling, general and administrative expenses to Advertising expenses, with General and administrative expenses now presented separately. Depreciation and amortization expenses related to the advertising funds for 2020 and 2019 have also been reclassified from Franchise and property expenses to Advertising expenses. These reclassifications did not arise as a result of any changes to accounting policies and relate entirely to presentation with no effect on previously reported net income.
Foreign Currency Translation and Transaction Gains and Losses
Foreign Currency Translation and Transaction Gains and Losses
Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar, since our term loans and senior secured notes are denominated in U.S. dollars, and the principal market for our common shares is the U.S. The functional currency of each of our operating subsidiaries is generally the currency of the economic environment in which the subsidiary primarily does business. Our foreign subsidiaries’ financial statements are translated into U.S. dollars using the foreign exchange rates applicable to the dates of the financial statements. Assets and liabilities are translated using the end-of-period spot foreign exchange rates. Income, expenses and cash flows are translated at the average foreign exchange rates for each period. Equity accounts are translated at historical foreign exchange rates. The effects of these translation adjustments are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) in the consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity.
For any transaction that is denominated in a currency different from the entity’s functional currency, we record a gain or loss based on the difference between the foreign exchange rate at the transaction date and the foreign exchange rate at the transaction settlement date (or rate at period end, if unsettled) which is included within other operating expenses (income), net in the consolidated statements of operations.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents
All highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and credit card receivables are considered cash equivalents.
Inventories
Inventories
Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value and consist primarily of raw materials such as green coffee beans and finished goods such as new equipment, parts, paper supplies and restaurant food items. The moving average method is used to determine the cost of raw materials and finished goods inventories held for sale to Tim Hortons franchisees.
Property and Equipment, net
Property and Equipment, net
We record property and equipment at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization, which is recognized using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: (i) buildings and improvements – up to 40 years; (ii) restaurant equipment – up to 17 years; (iii) furniture, fixtures and other – up to 10 years; and (iv) manufacturing equipment – up to 25 years. Leasehold improvements to properties where we are the lessee are amortized over the lesser of the remaining term of the lease or the estimated useful life of the improvement.
Major improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are expensed when incurred.
Leases
Leases
In all leases, whether we are the lessor or lessee, we define lease term as the noncancellable term of the lease plus any renewals covered by renewal options that are reasonably certain of exercise based on our assessment of the economic factors relevant to the
lessee. The noncancellable term of the lease commences on the date the lessor makes the underlying property in the lease available to the lessee, irrespective of when lease payments begin under the contract.
Lessor Accounting
We recognize lease payments for operating leases as property revenue on a straight-line basis over the lease term, and property revenue is presented net of any related sales tax. Lease incentive payments we make to lessees are amortized as a reduction in property revenue over the lease term. We account for reimbursements of maintenance and property tax costs paid to us by lessees as property revenue.
We also have net investments in properties leased to franchisees, which meet the criteria of sales-type leases or met the criteria of direct financing leases under the previous accounting guidance. Investments in sales-type leases and direct financing leases are recorded on a net basis. Profit or loss on sales-type leases is recognized at lease commencement and recorded in other operating expenses (income), net. Unearned income on direct financing leases is deferred, included in the net investment in the lease, and recognized over the lease term yielding a constant periodic rate of return on the net investment in the lease.
We recognize variable lease payment income in the period when changes in facts and circumstances on which the variable lease payments are based occur.
Lessee Accounting
In leases where we are the lessee, we recognize a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and lease liability at lease commencement, which are measured by discounting lease payments using our incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate. We determine the incremental borrowing rate applicable to each lease by reference to our outstanding secured borrowings and implied spreads over the risk-free discount rates that correspond to the term of each lease, as adjusted for the currency of the lease. Subsequent amortization of the ROU asset and accretion of the lease liability for an operating lease is recognized as a single lease cost, on a straight-line basis, over the lease term. Reductions of the ROU asset and the change in the lease liability are included in changes in Other long-term assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
A finance lease ROU asset is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the useful life of the leased asset or lease term. Interest on each finance lease liability is determined as the amount that results in a constant periodic discount rate on the remaining balance of the liability. Operating lease and finance lease ROU assets are assessed for impairment in accordance with our long-lived asset impairment policy.
We reassess lease classification and remeasure ROU assets and lease liabilities when a lease is modified and that modification is not accounted for as a separate contract or upon certain other events that require reassessment. Maintenance and property tax expenses are accounted for on an accrual basis as variable lease cost.
We recognize variable lease cost in the period when changes in facts and circumstances on which the variable lease payments are based occur.
Leases
Leases
In all leases, whether we are the lessor or lessee, we define lease term as the noncancellable term of the lease plus any renewals covered by renewal options that are reasonably certain of exercise based on our assessment of the economic factors relevant to the
lessee. The noncancellable term of the lease commences on the date the lessor makes the underlying property in the lease available to the lessee, irrespective of when lease payments begin under the contract.
Lessor Accounting
We recognize lease payments for operating leases as property revenue on a straight-line basis over the lease term, and property revenue is presented net of any related sales tax. Lease incentive payments we make to lessees are amortized as a reduction in property revenue over the lease term. We account for reimbursements of maintenance and property tax costs paid to us by lessees as property revenue.
We also have net investments in properties leased to franchisees, which meet the criteria of sales-type leases or met the criteria of direct financing leases under the previous accounting guidance. Investments in sales-type leases and direct financing leases are recorded on a net basis. Profit or loss on sales-type leases is recognized at lease commencement and recorded in other operating expenses (income), net. Unearned income on direct financing leases is deferred, included in the net investment in the lease, and recognized over the lease term yielding a constant periodic rate of return on the net investment in the lease.
We recognize variable lease payment income in the period when changes in facts and circumstances on which the variable lease payments are based occur.
Lessee Accounting
In leases where we are the lessee, we recognize a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and lease liability at lease commencement, which are measured by discounting lease payments using our incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate. We determine the incremental borrowing rate applicable to each lease by reference to our outstanding secured borrowings and implied spreads over the risk-free discount rates that correspond to the term of each lease, as adjusted for the currency of the lease. Subsequent amortization of the ROU asset and accretion of the lease liability for an operating lease is recognized as a single lease cost, on a straight-line basis, over the lease term. Reductions of the ROU asset and the change in the lease liability are included in changes in Other long-term assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
A finance lease ROU asset is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the useful life of the leased asset or lease term. Interest on each finance lease liability is determined as the amount that results in a constant periodic discount rate on the remaining balance of the liability. Operating lease and finance lease ROU assets are assessed for impairment in accordance with our long-lived asset impairment policy.
We reassess lease classification and remeasure ROU assets and lease liabilities when a lease is modified and that modification is not accounted for as a separate contract or upon certain other events that require reassessment. Maintenance and property tax expenses are accounted for on an accrual basis as variable lease cost.
We recognize variable lease cost in the period when changes in facts and circumstances on which the variable lease payments are based occur.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the acquisition of Firehouse Subs in 2021, the acquisition of Popeyes in 2017, the acquisition of Tim Hortons in 2014 and the acquisition of Burger King Holdings, Inc. by 3G Capital Partners Ltd. in 2010. Our indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of the Tim Hortons brand, the Burger King brand, the Popeyes brand and the Firehouse Subs brand (each a “Brand” and together, the “Brands”). Goodwill and the Brands are tested for impairment at least annually as of October 1 of each year and more often if an event occurs or circumstances change which indicate impairment might exist. Our annual impairment tests of goodwill and the Brands may be completed through qualitative assessments. We may elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to a quantitative impairment test for any reporting unit or Brand in any period. We can resume the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit or Brand in any subsequent period.
Under a qualitative approach, our impairment review for goodwill consists of an assessment of whether it is more-likely-than-not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. If we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit, or if a qualitative assessment indicates it is more-likely-than-not that the estimated carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test that requires us to estimate the fair value of the reporting unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we will measure any goodwill impairment loss as the amount by which the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.
Under a qualitative approach, our impairment review for the Brands consists of an assessment of whether it is more-likely-than-not that a Brand’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. If we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment for a Brand, or if a qualitative assessment indicates it is more-likely-than-not that the estimated carrying value of a Brand exceeds its fair value, we
estimate the fair value of the Brand and compare it to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
Long-Lived Assets
Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, intangible assets subject to amortization and lease right-of-use assets, are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Some of the events or changes in circumstances that would trigger an impairment review include, but are not limited to, bankruptcy proceedings or other significant financial distress of a lessee; significant negative industry or economic trends; knowledge of transactions involving the sale of similar property at amounts below the carrying value; or our expectation to dispose of long-lived assets before the end of their estimated useful lives. The impairment test for long-lived assets requires us to assess the recoverability of long-lived assets by comparing their net carrying value to the sum of undiscounted estimated future cash flows directly associated with and arising from use and eventual disposition of the assets or asset group. Long-lived assets are grouped for recognition and measurement of impairment at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets. If the net carrying value of a group of long-lived assets exceeds the sum of related undiscounted estimated future cash flows, we record an impairment charge equal to the excess, if any, of the net carrying value over fair value.
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”) refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that are included in comprehensive income (loss), but are excluded from net income (loss) as these amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to shareholders’ equity, net of tax. Our other comprehensive income (loss) is primarily comprised of unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains and losses on hedging activity, net of tax.
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative Financial Instruments
We recognize and measure all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. We may enter into derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes, but which largely offset the economic impact of certain transactions.
Gains or losses resulting from changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognized in earnings or recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and recognized in the consolidated statements of operations when the hedged item affects earnings, depending on the purpose of the derivatives and whether they qualify for, and we have applied, hedge accounting treatment.
When applying hedge accounting, we designate at a derivative’s inception, the specific assets, liabilities or future commitments being hedged, and assess the hedge’s effectiveness at inception and on an ongoing basis. We discontinue hedge accounting when: (i) we determine that the cash flow derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of a hedged item; (ii) the derivative expires or is sold, terminated or exercised; (iii) it is no longer probable that the forecasted transaction will occur; or (iv) management determines that designation of the derivatives as a hedge instrument is no longer appropriate. We do not enter into or hold derivatives for speculative purposes.
Disclosures about Fair Value
Disclosures about Fair Value
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal market, or if none exists, the most advantageous market, for the specific asset or liability at the measurement date (the exit price). The fair value is based on assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. The fair values are assigned a level within the fair value hierarchy, depending on the source of the inputs into the calculation, as follows:
Level 1 Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 Unobservable inputs reflecting management’s own assumptions about the inputs used in pricing the asset or liability.
The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable and accounts and drafts payable approximate fair value based on the short-term nature of these amounts.
We carry all of our derivatives at fair value and value them using various pricing models or discounted cash flow analysis that incorporate observable market parameters, such as interest rate yield curves and currency rates, which are Level 2 inputs. Derivative
valuations incorporate credit risk adjustments that are necessary to reflect the probability of default by the counterparty or us.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition
Sales
Sales consist primarily of supply chain sales, which represent sales of products, supplies and restaurant equipment to franchisees, as well as sales to retailers and are presented net of any related sales tax. Orders placed by customers specify the goods to be delivered and transaction prices for supply chain sales. Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control over ordered items, generally upon delivery to the customer, which is when the customer obtains physical possession of the goods, legal title is transferred, the customer has all risks and rewards of ownership and an obligation to pay for the goods is created. Shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight for supply chain sales are accounted for as fulfillment costs and classified as cost of sales.
To a much lesser extent, sales also include Company restaurant sales (including Restaurant VIEs), which consist of sales to restaurant guests. Revenue from Company restaurant sales is recognized at the point of sale. Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that we collect are excluded from revenue.
Franchise revenues and advertising revenues
Franchise revenues and advertising revenues consist primarily of royalties, advertising fund contributions, initial and renewal franchise fees and upfront fees from development agreements and master franchise and development agreements (“MFDAs”). Under franchise agreements, we provide franchisees with (i) a franchise license, which includes a license to use our intellectual property and, in those markets where our subsidiaries manage an advertising fund, advertising and promotion management, (ii) pre-opening services, such as training and inspections, and (iii) ongoing services, such as development of training materials and menu items and restaurant monitoring and inspections. The services we provide under franchise agreements are highly interrelated and dependent upon the franchise license and we concluded the services do not represent individually distinct performance obligations. Consequently, we bundle the franchise license performance obligation and promises to provide services into a single performance obligation, which we satisfy by providing a right to use our intellectual property over the term of each franchise agreement.
Royalties, including franchisee contributions to advertising funds managed by our subsidiaries, are calculated as a percentage of franchise restaurant sales over the term of the franchise agreement. Under our franchise agreements, advertising contributions received from franchisees must be spent on advertising, product development, marketing and related activities. Initial and renewal franchise fees are payable by the franchisee upon a new restaurant opening or renewal of an existing franchise agreement. Our franchise agreement royalties, inclusive of advertising fund contributions, represent sales-based royalties that are related entirely to our performance obligation under the franchise agreement and are recognized as franchise sales occur. We separately classify advertising fund contributions in Advertising revenues while all other franchise revenues are classified in Franchise and property revenues. Additionally, initial and renewal franchise fees are recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective agreement. Our performance obligation under development agreements other than MFDAs generally consists of an obligation to grant exclusive development rights over a stated term. These development rights are not distinct from franchise agreements, so upfront fees paid by franchisees for exclusive development rights are deferred and apportioned to each franchise restaurant opened by the franchisee. The pro rata amount apportioned to each restaurant is accounted for as an initial franchise fee.
We have a distinct performance obligation under our MFDAs to grant subfranchising rights over a stated term. Under the terms of MFDAs, we typically either receive an upfront fee paid in cash and/or receive noncash consideration in the form of an equity interest in the master franchisee or an affiliate of the master franchisee. We account for noncash consideration as investments in the applicable equity method investee and recognize revenue in an amount equal to the fair value of the equity interest received. Upfront fees from master franchisees, including the fair value of noncash consideration, are deferred and amortized over the MFDA term on a
straight-line basis. We may recognize unamortized upfront fees when a contract with a franchisee or master franchisee is modified and is accounted for as a termination of the existing contract.The portion of gift cards sold to customers which are never redeemed is commonly referred to as gift card breakage. We recognize gift card breakage income proportionately as each gift card is redeemed using an estimated breakage rate based on our historical experience.
Property revenues
Property revenues
Property revenues consists of rental income from properties we lease or sublease to franchisees. Property revenues are accounted for in accordance with applicable accounting guidance for leases and are excluded from the scope of revenue recognition guidance.
Advertising and Promotional Costs Advertising and Promotional CostsCompany restaurants and franchise restaurants contribute to advertising funds that our subsidiaries manage in the United States and Canada and certain other international markets. The advertising funds expense the production costs of advertising when the advertisements are first aired or displayed. All other advertising and promotional costs are expensed in the period incurred. Under our franchise agreements, advertising contributions received from franchisees must be spent on advertising, product development, marketing and related activities. The advertising contributions by Company restaurants (including Restaurant VIEs) are eliminated in consolidation.
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred financing costs are amortized over the term of the related debt agreement into interest expense using the effective interest method.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
Amounts in the Financial Statements related to income taxes are calculated using the principles of ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes. Under these principles, deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and the amounts recognized for tax purposes, as well as tax credit carry-forwards and loss carry-forwards. These deferred taxes are measured by applying currently enacted tax rates. A deferred tax asset is recognized when it is considered more-likely-than-not to be realized. The effects of changes in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized in income in the year in which the law is enacted. A valuation allowance reduces deferred tax assets when it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
We recognize positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return in the Financial Statements when it is more-likely-than-not (i.e., a likelihood of more than 50%) that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit with greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement.
Translation gains and losses resulting from the remeasurement of foreign deferred tax assets or liabilities denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are classified as other operating expenses (income), net in the consolidated statements of operations.
Share-based Compensation
Share-based Compensation
Compensation expense related to the issuance of share-based awards to our employees is measured at fair value on the grant date. We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value stock options. The fair value of restricted stock units is based on the closing price of our stock at the award date. If applicable, our total shareholder return relative to our peer group is incorporated into the underlying assumptions using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model to calculate grant date fair value for performance based awards with a market condition. The compensation expense for awards that vest over a future service period is recognized over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis, adjusted for estimated forfeitures of awards that are not expected to vest. We use historical data to estimate forfeitures for share-based awards. Upon the end of the service period, compensation expense is adjusted to account for the actual forfeiture rate. The compensation expense for awards that contain performance conditions is recognized when it is probable that the performance conditions will be achieved.
New Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements
Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes – In December 2019, the FASB issued guidance which simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions and by clarifying and amending existing guidance applicable to accounting for income taxes. The amendment is effective commencing in 2021 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this new guidance in 2021 did not have a material impact on our Financial Statements.
Accounting Relief for the Transition Away from LIBOR and Certain other Reference Rates – In March 2020 and as clarified in January 2021, the FASB issued guidance which provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. This amendment is effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The expedients and exceptions provided by this new guidance do not apply to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated after December 31, 2022, except for hedging relationships existing as of December 31, 2022, that an entity has elected certain optional expedients for and that are retained through the end of the hedging relationships. During the third quarter of 2021, we adopted certain of the expedients as it relates to hedge accounting as certain of our debt agreements and hedging relationships bear interest at variable rates, primarily U.S. dollar LIBOR. The adoption of and future elections under this new guidance did not and are not expected to have a material impact on our Financial Statements. We will continue to monitor the discontinuance of LIBOR on our debt agreements and hedging relationships.
Lessors—Certain Leases with Variable Lease Payments – In July 2021, the FASB issued guidance that requires lessors to classify and account for a lease with variable lease payments that do not depend on a reference index or a rate as an operating lease if (a) the lease would have been classified as a sales-type lease or a direct financing lease in accordance with lease classification criteria and (b) the lessor would have otherwise recognized a day-one loss. This amendment is effective in 2022 with early adoption permitted. This guidance may be applied either retrospectively to leases that commenced or were modified on or after the adoption of lease guidance we adopted in 2019 or prospectively to leases that commence or are modified on or after the date that this new guidance is applied. We do not expect that the adoption of this new guidance will have a material impact on our Financial Statements.
Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers– In October 2021, the FASB issued guidance which requires contract assets and contract liabilities (i.e., unearned revenue) acquired in a business combination to be recognized and measured in accordance with revenue from contracts with customers guidance. Currently, we recognize contract assets and contract liabilities at the acquisition date based on fair value estimates, which historically has resulted in a reduction to unearned revenue on the balance sheet, and therefore, a reduction to revenues that would have otherwise been recorded as an independent entity. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022 on a prospective basis, with early adoption permitted. During the fourth quarter of 2021, we adopted this guidance which did not have a material impact on our Financial Statements.
v3.22.0.1
Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Schedule of Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents the fair value of our variable rate term debt and senior notes, estimated using inputs based on bid and offer prices that are Level 2 inputs, and principal carrying amount (in millions):
As of December 31,
20212020
Fair value of our variable term debt and senior notes$12,851 $12,477 
Principal carrying amount of our variable term debt and senior notes12,943 12,453 
v3.22.0.1
Firehouse Acquisition (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]  
Schedule of Preliminary Allocation of Consideration to Net Tangible and Intangible Assets Acquired
The preliminary allocation of consideration to the net tangible and intangible assets acquired is presented in the table below (in millions):
December 15, 2021
Total current assets$21 
Property and equipment
Firehouse Subs brand
768 
Total liabilities(13)
Total identifiable net assets780 
Goodwill253 
Total consideration$1,033 
v3.22.0.1
Earnings per Share (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Schedule of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share
The following table summarizes the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations (in millions, except per share amounts):
202120202019
Numerator:
Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic$838 $486 $643 
Add: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests411 262 466 
Net income available to common shareholders and noncontrolling interests - diluted$1,249 $748 $1,109 
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares - basic310 302 268 
Exchange of noncontrolling interests for common shares (Note 12)151 162 194 
Effect of other dilutive securities
Weighted average common shares - diluted464 468 469 
Basic earnings per share (a)$2.71 $1.61 $2.40 
Diluted earnings per share (a)$2.69 $1.60 $2.37 
Anti-dilutive securities outstanding
(a)Earnings per share may not recalculate exactly as it is calculated based on unrounded numbers.
v3.22.0.1
Property and Equipment, net (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Schedule of Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment, net, consist of the following (in millions):
 As of December 31,
 20212020
Land$1,011 $1,007 
Buildings and improvements1,200 1,192 
Restaurant equipment193 163 
Furniture, fixtures, and other257 242 
Finance leases323 289 
Construction in progress30 17 
3,014 2,910 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(979)(879)
Property and equipment, net$2,035 $2,031 
v3.22.0.1
Intangible Assets, net and Goodwill (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Intangible Assets, Net and Goodwill
Intangible assets, net and goodwill consist of the following (in millions):
As of December 31,
20212020
GrossAccumulated AmortizationNetGrossAccumulated AmortizationNet
Identifiable assets subject to amortization:
   Franchise agreements$722 $(290)$432 $735 $(264)$471 
   Favorable leases104 (63)41 117 (66)51 
      Subtotal826 (353)473 852 (330)522 
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
   Tim Hortons brand
$6,695 $— $6,695 $6,650 $— $6,650 
   Burger King brand
2,126 — 2,126 2,174 — 2,174 
   Popeyes brand
1,355 — 1,355 1,355 — 1,355 
Firehouse Subs brand
768 — 768 — — — 
      Subtotal10,944 — 10,944 10,179 — 10,179 
Intangible assets, net$11,417 $10,701 
Goodwill
   Tim Hortons segment$4,306 $4,279 
   Burger King segment601 614 
   Popeyes segment846 846 
   Firehouse segment253 — 
      Total$6,006 $5,739 
Schedule of Estimated Future Amortization Expenses on Intangible Assets
As of December 31, 2021, the estimated future amortization expense on identifiable assets subject to amortization is as follows (in millions):
Twelve-months ended December 31,Amount
2022$39 
202337 
202436 
202534 
202634 
Thereafter293 
Total$473 
v3.22.0.1
Equity Method Investments (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]  
Schedule of Franchise and Property Revenue Franchise and property revenue recognized from franchisees that are owned or franchised by entities in which we have an equity interest consist of the following (in millions):
202120202019
Revenues from affiliates:
Royalties$350 $239 $290 
Advertising revenues67 50 55 
Property revenues32 32 33 
Franchise fees and other revenue21 14 10 
Total$470 $335 $388 
v3.22.0.1
Other Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Other Accrued Liabilities (Current) and Other Liabilities (Non-Current), Net
Other accrued liabilities (current) and other liabilities, net (non-current) consist of the following (in millions):

 As of December 31,
 20212020
Current:
Dividend payable$241 $239 
Interest payable63 66 
Accrued compensation and benefits99 78 
Taxes payable106 122 
Deferred income48 42 
Accrued advertising expenses43 59 
Restructuring and other provisions90 12 
Current portion of operating lease liabilities140 137 
Other117 80 
Other accrued liabilities$947 $835 
Non-current:
Taxes payable$533 $626 
Contract liabilities (see Note 15)531 528 
Derivatives liabilities575 865 
Unfavorable leases65 81 
Accrued pension47 70 
Deferred income37 28 
Other34 38 
Other liabilities, net$1,822 $2,236 
v3.22.0.1
Long-Term Debt (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consist of the following (in millions):
 As of December 31,
 20212020
Term Loan B$5,243 $5,297 
Term Loan A1,250 731 
4.25% First Lien Senior Notes due 2024
— 775 
3.875% First Lien Senior Notes due 2028
1,550 750 
5.75% First Lien Senior Notes due 2025
500 500 
3.50% First Lien Senior Notes due 2029
750 750 
4.375% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2028
750 750 
4.00% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2030
2,900 2,900 
TH Facility and other173 178 
Less: unamortized deferred financing costs and deferred issuance discount(138)(155)
Total debt, net12,978 12,476 
Less: current maturities of debt(62)(79)
Total long-term debt$12,916 $12,397 
Schedule of Aggregate Maturities of Long-Term Debt The aggregate maturities of our long-term debt as of December 31, 2021 are as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,Principal Amount
2022$62 
202398 
2024108 
2025750 
20266,148 
Thereafter5,950 
Total$13,116 
Schedule of Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net consists of the following (in millions):
202120202019
Debt (a)$461 $471 $503 
Finance lease obligations20 20 20 
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount27 26 29 
Interest income(3)(9)(20)
Interest expense, net$505 $508 $532 
(a)Amount includes $45 million, $69 million and $70 million benefit during 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to the quarterly net settlements of our cross-currency rate swaps and amortization of the Excluded Component as defined in Note 12, Derivatives.
v3.22.0.1
Leases (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]  
Schedule of Lessor Operating Lease Assets
Assets leased to franchisees and others under operating leases where we are the lessor and which are included within our property and equipment, net are as follows (in millions):
 As of December 31,
 20212020
Land$899 $892 
Buildings and improvements1,180 1,146 
Restaurant equipment18 19 
2,097 2,057 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(587)(534)
Property and equipment leased, net$1,510 $1,523 
Schedule of Net Investment, Direct Financing Leases
Our net investment in direct financing and sales-type leases is as follows (in millions):
 As of December 31,
 20212020
Future rents to be received:
Future minimum lease receipts$113 $87 
Contingent rents (a)12 
Estimated unguaranteed residual value
Unearned income(40)(34)
85 72 
Current portion included within accounts receivables(5)(6)
Net investment in property leased to franchisees$80 $66 
(a)Amounts represent estimated contingent rents recorded in connection with the acquisition method of accounting.
Schedule of Property Revenue
Property revenues are comprised primarily of rental income from operating leases and earned income on direct financing leases with franchisees as follows (in millions):
202120202019
Rental income:
Minimum lease payments$455 $445 $448 
Variable lease payments329 262 370 
Amortization of favorable and unfavorable income lease contracts, net
Subtotal - lease income from operating leases787 713 825 
Earned income on direct financing and sales-type leases
Total property revenues$793 $718 $833 
Schedule of Lease Cost
Lease cost and other information associated with these lease commitments is as follows (in millions):
Lease Cost (Income)
202120202019
Operating lease cost$202 $199 $210 
Operating lease variable lease cost193 177 198 
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets31 29 27 
Interest on lease liabilities20 20 20 
Sublease income(587)(534)(631)
Total lease cost (income)$(141)$(109)$(176)
Schedule of Lease Terms and Discount Rates
Lease Term and Discount Rate as of December 31, 2021 and 2020
As of December 31,
20212020
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years):
Operating leases10.1 years10.5 years
Finance leases11.4 years11.3 years
Weighted-average discount rate:
Operating leases5.5 %5.9 %
Finance leases6.0 %6.5 %
Schedule of Other Lease Information
Other Information for 2021, 2020 and 2019
202120202019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$200 $200 $194 
Operating cash flows from finance leases$20 $20 $20 
Financing cash flows from finance leases$31 $29 $26 
Supplemental noncash information on lease liabilities arising from obtaining right-of-use assets:
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease obligations$52 $59 $18 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease obligations$133 $118 $163 
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Receipts and Commitments
As of December 31, 2021, future minimum lease receipts and commitments are as follows (in millions):
 Lease ReceiptsLease Commitments (a)
 Direct
Financing
and Sales-Type Leases
Operating
Leases
Finance
Leases
Operating
Leases
2022$$404 $52 $197 
2023382 50 186 
2024350 48 173 
2025316 45 158 
2026278 41 140 
Thereafter76 1,374 262 675 
Total minimum receipts / payments$113 $3,104 498 1,529 
Less amount representing interest(131)(319)
Present value of minimum lease payments367 1,210 
Current portion of lease obligations(34)(140)
Long-term portion of lease obligations$333 $1,070 
(a)Minimum lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $1,953 million due in the future under non-cancelable subleases.
v3.22.0.1
Income Taxes (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
Income before income taxes, classified by source of income (loss), is as follows (in millions):
202120202019
Canadian$457 $200 $685 
Foreign906 616 767 
Income before income taxes$1,363 $816 $1,452 
Schedule of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Attributable to Income from Continuing Operations
Income tax (benefit) expense attributable to income from continuing operations consists of the following (in millions):
202120202019
Current:
Canadian$16 $45 $47 
U.S. Federal(10)125 122 
U.S. state, net of federal income tax benefit25 26 20 
Other Foreign84 78 94 
$115 $274 $283 
Deferred:
Canadian$32 $(67)$43 
U.S. Federal(37)(82)
U.S. state, net of federal income tax benefit(7)(27)— 
Other Foreign(32)
$(5)$(208)$58 
Income tax expense (benefit)$110 $66 $341 
Schedule of Statutory Rate Reconciles to Effective Income Tax Rate
The statutory rate reconciles to the effective income tax rate as follows:

202120202019
Statutory rate26.5 %26.5 %26.5 %
Costs and taxes related to foreign operations3.5 9.6 4.7 
Foreign exchange gain (loss)— 0.5 0.1 
Foreign tax rate differential(13.9)(15.6)(10.8)
Change in valuation allowance1.1 1.2 0.5 
Change in accrual for tax uncertainties(7.4)3.9 5.0 
Intercompany financing(3.5)(6.1)(2.4)
Impact of Tax Act— (7.8)(0.1)
Swiss Tax Reform— (5.1)1.1 
Benefit from stock option exercises(0.8)(0.3)(2.2)
Litigation settlements and reserves1.4 — — 
Other1.2 1.2 1.1 
Effective income tax rate8.1 %8.0 %23.5 %
Schedule of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Allocated to Continuing Operations and Amounts Separately Allocated to Other Items
Income tax (benefit) expense allocated to continuing operations and amounts separately allocated to other items was (in millions):

202120202019
Income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations$110 $66 $341 
Cash flow hedge in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)72 (64)(23)
Net investment hedge in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(15)(60)(32)
Foreign Currency Translation in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(4)12 — 
Pension liability in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(3)(1)
Total$166 $(49)$285 
Schedule of Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Attributable to Income from Continuing Operations
The significant components of deferred income tax (benefit) expense attributable to income from continuing operations are as follows (in millions):

202120202019
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense$(22)$(230)$30 
Change in valuation allowance14 22 
Change in effective Canadian income tax rate— — (1)
Change in effective U.S. state income tax rate
Change in effective foreign income tax rate— (1)16 
Total$(5)$(208)$58 
Schedule of the Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax Liabilities
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below (in millions):

 As of December 31,
 20212020
Deferred tax assets:
Accounts and notes receivable$$
Accrued employee benefits48 54 
Leases115 114 
Operating lease liabilities317 323 
Liabilities not currently deductible for tax346 310 
Tax loss and credit carryforwards517 547 
Derivatives164 225 
Other(1)
Total gross deferred tax assets1,510 1,588 
Valuation allowance(356)(364)
Net deferred tax assets1,154 1,224 
Less deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation15 35 
Intangible assets1,751 1,747 
Leases129 114 
Operating lease assets295 311 
Statutory impairment29 30 
Outside basis difference38 46 
Total gross deferred tax liabilities2,257 2,283 
Net deferred tax liability$1,103 $1,059 
Schedule of Changes in Valuation Allowance
Changes in the valuation allowance are as follows (in millions):

202120202019
Beginning balance$364 $329 $325 
Change in estimates recorded to deferred income tax expense14 19 
Changes in losses and credits— (2)
(Reductions) additions related to other comprehensive income(22)13 (2)
Ending balance$356 $364 $329 
Schedule of Amount and Expiration Dates of Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carry-forwards
The gross amount and expiration dates of operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards as of December 31, 2021 are as follows (in millions):

AmountExpiration Date
Canadian net operating loss carryforwards$728 2036-2041
Canadian capital loss carryforwards866 Indefinite
Canadian tax credits2023-2036
U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards680 2022-2041
U.S. capital loss carryforwards16 2040
U.S. foreign tax credits112 2022-2031
Other foreign net operating loss carryforwards207 Indefinite
Other foreign net operating loss carryforwards77 2022-2038
Other foreign capital loss carryforward30 Indefinite
Total$2,719 
Schedule of Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amounts of Unrecognized Tax Benefits A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in millions):
202120202019
Beginning balance$497 $506 $441 
Additions for tax positions related to the current year
Additions for tax positions of prior years23 56 
Reductions for tax positions of prior year(5)(25)— 
Additions for settlement— — 
Reductions due to statute expiration(94)— — 
Ending balance$437 $497 $506 
v3.22.0.1
Derivative Instruments (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Quantitative Disclosures of Derivative Instruments
The following tables present the required quantitative disclosures for our derivative instruments, including their estimated fair values (all estimated using Level 2 inputs) and their location on our consolidated balance sheets (in millions):
 Gain or (Loss) Recognized in
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 202120202019
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges(1)
Interest rate swaps$132 $(333)$(102)
Forward-currency contracts$— $(2)$(4)
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges
Cross-currency rate swaps$96 $(302)$(118)
(1) We did not exclude any components from the cash flow hedge relationships presented in this table.
Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into EarningsGain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into
Earnings
 202120202019
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Interest rate swapsInterest expense, net$(125)$(102)$(26)
Forward-currency contractsCost of sales$(7)$$
 Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in EarningsGain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings (Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
 202120202019
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges
Cross-currency rate swapsInterest expense, net$45 $69 $70 
Schedule of Fair Value Measurements
 Fair Value as of
December 31,
 
 20212020Balance Sheet Location
Assets:
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Foreign currency$$— Prepaids and other current assets
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges
Foreign currency23 — Other assets, net
Total assets at fair value$25 $— 
Liabilities:
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Interest rate$220 $430 Other liabilities, net
Foreign currency— Other accrued liabilities
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges
Foreign currency355 434 Other liabilities, net
Total liabilities at fair value$575 $869 
v3.22.0.1
Shareholders' Equity (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Equity [Abstract]  
Schedule of Change in Components of AOCI
The following table displays the change in the components of AOCI (in millions):
DerivativesPensionsForeign
Currency
Translation
Accumulated 
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Balances at December 31, 2018$253 $(15)$(1,038)$(800)
Foreign currency translation adjustment— — 409 409 
Net change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax(163)— — (163)
Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax15 — — 15 
Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax— (2)— (2)
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests94 (2)(314)(222)
Balances at December 31, 2019199 (19)(943)(763)
Foreign currency translation adjustment— — 332 332 
Net change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax(486)— — (486)
Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax73 — — 73 
Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax— (16)— (16)
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests145 (144)
Balances at December 31, 2020(69)(30)(755)(854)
Foreign currency translation adjustment— — (67)(67)
Net change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax207 — — 207 
Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax96 — — 96 
Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax— 15 — 15 
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests(98)(6)(3)(107)
Balances at December 31, 2021$136 $(21)$(825)$(710)
v3.22.0.1
Share-based Compensation (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Expense
Share-based compensation expense consists of the following for the periods presented (in millions):
202120202019
Total share-based compensation expense - Stock options and RSUs (a)(b)$88 $74 $68 

(a)Includes $2 million, $3 million, and $4 million due to modification of awards in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(b)Generally classified as general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
Schedule of the Significant Assumptions Used During the Year to Estimate the Fair Value of Stock Options
The following assumptions were used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of stock option awards at the grant date:
202120202019
Risk-free interest rate1.29%1.29%1.82%
Expected term (in years)5.885.886.19
Expected volatility23.9%23.9%25.5%
Expected dividend yield3.14%3.14%3.09%
Schedule of Option Activity under the Various Plan
The following is a summary of stock option activity under our plans for the year ended December 31, 2021:
Total Number of
Options 
(in 000’s)
Weighted 
Average
Exercise Price
Aggregate 
Intrinsic
Value (a)
(in 000’s)
Weighted 
Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
(Years)
Outstanding at January 1, 20218,202 $51.86 
Granted15 $65.11 
Exercised(1,594)$37.83 
Forfeited(416)$63.00 
Outstanding at December 31, 20216,207 $54.80 $48,468 5.6
Exercisable at December 31, 20211,961 $39.68 $41,255 3.3
Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 20215,671 $54.10 $47,650 5.5

(a)The intrinsic value represents the amount by which the fair value of our stock exceeds the option exercise price at December 31, 2021.
Schedule of Time-Vested RSUs and Performance-Based RSUs Activity
The following is a summary of time-vested RSUs and performance-based RSUs activity for the year ended December 31, 2021:
 Time-vested RSUsPerformance-based RSUs
 Total Number of
Shares
(in 000’s)
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
Total Number of
Shares
(in 000’s)
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
Outstanding at January 1, 20211,761 $49.99 4,869 $56.96 
Granted1,566 $60.97 425 $57.60 
Vested and settled(455)$39.54 (1,189)$38.07 
Dividend equivalents granted68 $— 133 $— 
Forfeited(176)$61.98 (343)$67.36 
Outstanding at December 31, 20212,764 $57.47 3,895 $62.09 
v3.22.0.1
Revenue Recognition (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Schedule of Change in Contract Liabilities The following table reflects the change in contract liabilities by segment and on a consolidated basis between December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2021 (in millions):
Contract LiabilitiesTHBKPLKConsolidated
Balance at December 31, 2020$62 $427 $39 $528 
Recognized during period and included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the year(9)(44)(4)(57)
Increase, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period12 40 21 73 
Impact of foreign currency translation— (13)— (13)
Balance at December 31, 2021$65 $410 $56 $531 
Schedule of Estimated Revenues Expected to be Recognized
The following table illustrates estimated revenues expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) by segment and on a consolidated basis as of December 31, 2021 (in millions):
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized inTHBKPLKConsolidated
2022$10 $34 $$48 
202333 46 
202432 45 
202532 44 
202631 40 
Thereafter23 248 37 308 
Total$65 $410 $56 $531 
Schedule of Disaggregation of Total Revenues
Total revenues consist of the following (in millions):
202120202019
Sales$2,378 $2,013 $2,362 
Royalties1,561 1,327 1,459 
Property revenues793 718 833 
Franchise fees and other revenue98 76 89 
Advertising revenues909 834 860 
Total revenues$5,739 $4,968 $5,603 
v3.22.0.1
Other Operating Expenses (Income), net (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]  
Schedule of Other Operating Expenses (Income), Net Other operating expenses (income), net, consist of the following (in millions):
202120202019
Net losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings$$$
Litigation settlements and reserves, net81 
Net losses (gains) on foreign exchange(76)100 (15)
Other, net— (8)(4)
Other operating expenses (income), net$$105 $(10)
v3.22.0.1
Segment Reporting and Geographical Information (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Schedule of Revenues by Operating Segment and Country
The following tables present revenues, by segment and by country, depreciation and amortization, (income) loss from equity method investments, and capital expenditures by segment (in millions):
202120202019
Revenues by operating segment:
TH$3,342 $2,810 $3,344 
BK1,813 1,602 1,777 
PLK579 556 482 
FHS— — 
Total$5,739 $4,968 $5,603 
Revenues by country (a):
Canada$3,035 $2,546 $3,037 
United States2,005 1,889 1,930 
Other699 533 636 
Total$5,739 $4,968 $5,603 
Only Canada and the United States represented 10% or more of our total revenues in each period presented.
Schedule of Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and amortization:
TH$132 $119 $112 
BK62 62 62 
PLK11 
Total$201 $189 $185 
Schedule of (Income) Loss from Equity Method Investments
(Income) loss from equity method investments:
TH$(13)$(4)$(7)
BK17 43 (4)
Total$$39 $(11)
Schedule of Capital Expenditure
Capital expenditures:
TH$61 $92 $37 
BK34 18 20 
PLK11 
Total$106 $117 $62 
Schedule of Segment Related Assets and Long Lived Assets
Total assets by segment, and long-lived assets by segment and country are as follows (in millions):
 AssetsLong-Lived Assets
 As of December 31,As of December 31,
 2021202020212020
By operating segment:
TH$13,995 $13,963 $1,963 $1,990 
BK4,946 5,334 1,137 1,128 
PLK2,563 2,525 141 131 
FHS1,103 — — 
Unallocated639 955 — — 
Total$23,246 $22,777 $3,245 $3,249 
By country:
Canada$1,670 $1,685 
United States1,556 1,539 
Other19 25 
Total$3,245 $3,249 
Schedule of Reconciliation of Segment Income to Net Income (Loss) A reconciliation of segment income to net income consists of the following (in millions):
202120202019
Segment income:
TH$997 $823 $1,122 
BK1,021 823 994 
PLK228 218 188 
FHS— — 
Adjusted EBITDA2,248 1,864 2,304 
Share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense102 84 74 
FHS Transaction costs18 — — 
Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees16 16 31 
Office centralization and relocation costs— — 
Impact of equity method investments (a)25 48 11 
Other operating expenses (income), net105 (10)
EBITDA2,080 1,611 2,192 
Depreciation and amortization201 189 185 
Income from operations1,879 1,422 2,007 
Interest expense, net505 508 532 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt11 98 23 
Income tax expense110 66 341 
Net income$1,253 $750 $1,111 

(a)Represents (i) (income) loss from equity method investments and (ii) cash distributions received from our equity method investments. Cash distributions received from our equity method investments are included in segment income.
v3.22.0.1
Description of Business and Organization - Additional Information (Details)
Dec. 31, 2021
restaurant
country
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]  
Number of restaurants in operation 29,456
Number of countries in which company and franchise restaurants operated (more than) | country 100
Percentage of franchised Tim Hortons, Burger King, and Popeyes restaurants (as a percent) 100.00%
Tim Hortons brand  
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]  
Number of restaurants in operation 5,291
Burger King brand  
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]  
Number of restaurants in operation 19,247
Popeyes brand  
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]  
Number of restaurants in operation 3,705
Firehouse segment  
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]  
Number of restaurants in operation 1,213
v3.22.0.1
Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
restaurant
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
restaurant
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Summary Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Goodwill and brand impairment | $ $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Buildings and improvements      
Summary Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Estimated useful life of assets (up to) 40 years    
Restaurant equipment      
Summary Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Estimated useful life of assets (up to) 17 years    
Furniture, fixtures, and other      
Summary Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Estimated useful life of assets (up to) 10 years    
Manufacturing equipment      
Summary Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Estimated useful life of assets (up to) 25 years    
Restaurant VIEs      
Summary Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Number of consolidated restaurants | restaurant 46 38  
v3.22.0.1
Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Principal carrying amount of our variable term debt and senior notes $ 12,978 $ 12,476
Variable Term Debt and Senior Notes    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Fair value of our variable term debt and senior notes 12,851 12,477
Principal carrying amount of our variable term debt and senior notes $ 12,943 $ 12,453
v3.22.0.1
Firehouse Acquisition - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 15, 2021
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt   $ 1,335 $ 5,235 $ 2,250
Firehouse segment        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Consideration transferred $ 1,033      
FH transaction costs   $ 18 $ 0 $ 0
Firehouse segment | Secured debt        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt $ 533      
v3.22.0.1
Firehouse Acquisition - Schedule of Preliminary Allocation of Consideration to Net Tangible and Intangible Assets Acquired (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 15, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Goodwill $ 6,006   $ 5,739
Firehouse segment      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Total current assets   $ 21  
Property and equipment   4  
Firehouse Subs brand   768  
Total liabilities   (13)  
Total identifiable net assets   780  
Goodwill   253  
Total consideration   $ 1,033  
v3.22.0.1
Earnings per Share - Schedule of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Numerator:      
Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic $ 838 $ 486 $ 643
Add: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 411 262 466
Net income available to common shareholders and noncontrolling interests - diluted $ 1,249 $ 748 $ 1,109
Denominator:      
Weighted average common shares - basic (in shares) 310 302 268
Exchange of noncontrolling interests for common shares (in shares) 151 162 194
Effect of other dilutive securities (in shares) 3 4 7
Weighted average common shares - diluted (in shares) 464 468 469
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share) $ 2.71 $ 1.61 $ 2.40
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share) $ 2.69 $ 1.60 $ 2.37
Anti-dilutive securities outstanding (in shares) 3 6 3
v3.22.0.1
Property and Equipment, net - Schedule of Property and Equipment, Net (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, including finance leases, gross $ 3,014 $ 2,910
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (979) (879)
Property and equipment, net 2,035 2,031
Land    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, including finance leases, gross 1,011 1,007
Buildings and improvements    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, including finance leases, gross 1,200 1,192
Restaurant equipment    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, including finance leases, gross 193 163
Furniture, fixtures, and other    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, including finance leases, gross 257 242
Finance leases    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, including finance leases, gross 323 289
Construction in progress    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, including finance leases, gross $ 30 $ 17
v3.22.0.1
Property and Equipment, net - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment $ 148 $ 140 $ 136
Accumulated depreciation and amortization, finance leases 77 51  
Buildings and improvements      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Assets leased under finance leases $ 246 $ 238  
v3.22.0.1
Intangible Assets, net and Goodwill - Schedule of Intangible Assets, Net and Goodwill (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross $ 826 $ 852
Accumulated Amortization (353) (330)
Net 473 522
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Indefinite-lived intangible assets: 10,944 10,179
Intangible assets, net 11,417 10,701
Goodwill [Line Items]    
Goodwill 6,006 5,739
Tim Hortons brand    
Goodwill [Line Items]    
Goodwill 4,306 4,279
Burger King brand    
Goodwill [Line Items]    
Goodwill 601 614
Popeyes brand    
Goodwill [Line Items]    
Goodwill 846 846
Firehouse segment    
Goodwill [Line Items]    
Goodwill 253 0
Trade Names | Tim Hortons brand    
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Indefinite-lived intangible assets: 6,695 6,650
Trade Names | Burger King brand    
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Indefinite-lived intangible assets: 2,126 2,174
Trade Names | Popeyes brand    
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Indefinite-lived intangible assets: 1,355 1,355
Trade Names | Firehouse segment    
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Indefinite-lived intangible assets: 768 0
Franchise agreements    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross 722 735
Accumulated Amortization (290) (264)
Net 432 471
Favorable leases    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross 104 117
Accumulated Amortization (63) (66)
Net $ 41 $ 51
v3.22.0.1
Intangible Assets, net and Goodwill - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]      
Amortization expense on intangible assets $ 41 $ 43 $ 44
v3.22.0.1
Intangible Assets, net and Goodwill - Schedule of the Estimated Future Amortization Expenses on Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]    
2022 $ 39  
2023 37  
2024 36  
2025 34  
2026 34  
Thereafter 293  
Net $ 473 $ 522
v3.22.0.1
Equity Method Investments - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Equity method investments $ 194,000,000 $ 205,000,000  
Increase to carrying value of equity method investment 0 0 $ 11,000,000
Equity method investee      
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Accounts receivable from equity method investments 48,000,000 52,000,000  
Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc.      
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Quoted market price $ 28,000,000    
Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. | United States      
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Ownership percentage (as a percent) 15.50%    
BK Brasil      
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Ownership percentage (as a percent) 9.40%    
Quoted market price $ 28,000,000    
Wendy's Company TIMWEN Partnership | Tim Hortons brand      
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Cash distributions 16,000,000 8,000,000 13,000,000
Rent expense $ 18,000,000 $ 15,000,000 $ 19,000,000
Wendy's Company TIMWEN Partnership | Canadian      
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Ownership percentage (as a percent) 50.00%    
v3.22.0.1
Equity Method Investments - Schedule of Franchise and Property Revenue (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Revenues from affiliates:      
Total lease cost (income) $ 793 $ 718 $ 833
Total revenues 5,739 4,968 5,603
Royalties      
Revenues from affiliates:      
Sales 1,561 1,327 1,459
Advertising revenues      
Revenues from affiliates:      
Sales 909 834 860
Total revenues 909 834 860
Franchise fees and other revenue      
Revenues from affiliates:      
Sales 98 76 89
Affiliates      
Revenues from affiliates:      
Total revenues 470 335 388
Affiliates | Royalties      
Revenues from affiliates:      
Sales 350 239 290
Affiliates | Advertising revenues      
Revenues from affiliates:      
Sales 67 50 55
Affiliates | Property revenues      
Revenues from affiliates:      
Total lease cost (income) 32 32 33
Affiliates | Franchise fees and other revenue      
Revenues from affiliates:      
Sales $ 21 $ 14 $ 10
v3.22.0.1
Other Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities - Schedule of Other Accrued Liabilities (Current) and Other Liabilities (Noncurrent), Net (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Current:    
Dividend payable $ 241 $ 239
Interest payable 63 66
Accrued compensation and benefits 99 78
Taxes payable 106 122
Deferred income 48 42
Accrued advertising expenses 43 59
Restructuring and other provisions 90 12
Current portion of operating lease liabilities $ 140 $ 137
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] Other accrued liabilities Other accrued liabilities
Other $ 117 $ 80
Other accrued liabilities 947 835
Non-current:    
Taxes payable 533 626
Contract liabilities (see Note 15) 531 528
Derivatives liabilities 575 865
Unfavorable leases 65 81
Accrued pension 47 70
Deferred income 37 28
Other 34 38
Other liabilities, net $ 1,822 $ 2,236
v3.22.0.1
Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 12, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Nov. 09, 2020
Apr. 07, 2020
Nov. 19, 2019
Sep. 24, 2019
Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
TH Facility and other $ 173   $ 178          
Less: unamortized deferred financing costs and deferred issuance discount (138)   (155)          
Total debt, net 12,978   12,476          
Less: current maturities of debt (62)   (79)          
Total long-term debt 12,916   12,397          
Term Loan B                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Term loan facility 5,243   5,297          
Term Loan A                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Term loan facility $ 1,250 $ 717 731          
4.25% First Lien Senior Notes due 2024 | Senior notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 4.25%             4.25%
Senior notes $ 0   775          
3.875% First Lien Senior Notes due 2028 | Senior notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 3.875%           3.875%  
Senior notes $ 1,550   750          
5.75% First Lien Senior Notes due 2025 | Senior notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Stated interest rate (as a percent)         5.75%      
Senior notes 500   500          
3.50% First Lien Senior Notes due 2029 | Senior notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Stated interest rate (as a percent)       3.50%        
Senior notes $ 750   750          
4.375% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2028 | Senior notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 4.375%         4.375%    
Senior notes $ 750   $ 750          
4.00% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2030 | Senior notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Stated interest rate (as a percent)     4.00%          
Senior notes $ 2,900   $ 2,900          
v3.22.0.1
Long-Term Debt - Credit Facilities (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 13, 2021
USD ($)
subsidiary
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Dec. 12, 2021
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Apr. 02, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]            
Capitalized debt issuance costs   $ 19,000,000   $ 43,000,000   $ 50,000,000
Revolving credit facility            
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]            
Senior secured revolving credit facility   1,000,000,000        
Commitment fee percentage (as a percent) 0.15%          
Minimum liquidity covenant         $ 1,000,000,000  
First lien senior secured leverage ratio limit         6.50  
Term Loan A (due December 13, 2026)            
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]            
Number of subsidiaries | subsidiary 2          
Term loan facility   1,250,000,000 $ 717,000,000 731,000,000    
Interest rate, base rate floor (as a percent) 1.00%          
Effective interest rate (as a percent) 1.40%          
Term Loan A (due December 13, 2026) | Term loan A Quarterly Installment, One            
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]            
Quarterly installment payment $ 8,000,000          
Term Loan A (due December 13, 2026) | Term loan A Quarterly Installment, Thereafter            
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]            
Quarterly installment payment $ 16,000,000          
Term Loan A (due December 13, 2026) | Base rate | Minimum            
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]            
Debt instrument floor rate (as a percent) 0.00%          
Term Loan A (due December 13, 2026) | Base rate | Maximum            
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]            
Debt instrument floor rate (as a percent) 0.50%          
Term Loan A (due December 13, 2026) | Adjusted Term SOFR            
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]            
Interest rate, base rate floor (as a percent) 0.00%          
Debt instrument adjustment (as a percent) 0.10%          
Term Loan A (due December 13, 2026) | Adjusted Term SOFR | Minimum            
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]            
Debt instrument floor rate (as a percent) 0.75%          
Term Loan A (due December 13, 2026) | Adjusted Term SOFR | Maximum            
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]            
Debt instrument floor rate (as a percent) 1.50%          
Fifth Incremental Amendment            
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]            
Capitalized debt issuance costs   12,000,000        
Term Loan B            
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]            
Term loan facility   $ 5,243,000,000   $ 5,297,000,000    
Effective interest rate (as a percent)   1.85%        
Term Loan B | Term loan A Quarterly Installment, One            
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]            
Quarterly installment payment   $ 13,000,000        
Term Loan B | Base rate            
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]            
Interest rate, base rate floor (as a percent)   1.00%        
Debt instrument floor rate (as a percent)   0.75%        
Term Loan B | Eurodollar            
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]            
Interest rate, base rate floor (as a percent)   0.00%        
Debt instrument floor rate (as a percent)   1.75%        
v3.22.0.1
Long-Term Debt - Revolving Credit Facility (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Letter of Credit | Minimum  
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Debt instrument floor rate (as a percent) 0.75%
Letter of Credit | Maximum  
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Debt instrument floor rate (as a percent) 1.50%
Line of Credit | Revolving credit facility  
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Long-term line of credit $ 0
Remaining borrowing capacity 998,000,000
Line of Credit | Letter of Credit  
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]  
Long-term line of credit 2,000,000
Letter of credit sublimit as part of revolving credit facility $ 125,000,000
v3.22.0.1
Long-Term Debt - Senior Notes (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Jul. 15, 2021
Jul. 06, 2021
Nov. 09, 2020
Apr. 07, 2020
Nov. 19, 2019
Sep. 24, 2019
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                    
Capitalized debt issuance costs             $ 19,000,000 $ 43,000,000 $ 50,000,000  
Loss on early extinguishment of debt             $ 11,000,000 98,000,000 $ 23,000,000  
4.375% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2028                    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                    
Repayments of debt         $ 720,000,000          
Preferred share | 4.25% First Lien Senior Notes due 2024                    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                    
Preferred stock dividend rate percentage (as a percent)                   9.00%
Senior notes | 4.25% First Lien Senior Notes due 2024                    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                    
Stated interest rate (as a percent)             4.25%     4.25%
Aggregate principal amount of debt issued                   $ 1,500,000,000
Principal payments                   0
Debt issuance costs, net                   $ 13,000,000
Principal amount redeemed $ 775,000,000   $ 725,000,000       $ 775,000,000      
Capitalized debt issuance costs           $ 7,000,000        
Loss on early extinguishment of debt $ 11,000,000   $ 19,000,000         $ 98,000,000    
Senior notes | 3.875% First Lien Senior Notes due 2028                    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                    
Stated interest rate (as a percent)           3.875% 3.875%      
Aggregate principal amount of debt issued   $ 800,000,000       $ 750,000,000        
Principal payments           0        
Capitalized debt issuance costs           $ 10,000,000        
Debt instrument redemption price percentage (as a percent)   100.25%                
Senior notes | 2022 4.625% Senior Notes                    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                    
Stated interest rate (as a percent)           4.625%        
Principal amount redeemed           $ 1,250,000,000        
Loss on early extinguishment of debt           $ 3,000,000        
Senior notes | 5.75% First Lien Senior Notes due 2025                    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                    
Stated interest rate (as a percent)       5.75%            
Aggregate principal amount of debt issued       $ 500,000,000            
Principal payments       0            
Capitalized debt issuance costs       $ 10,000,000            
Senior notes | 3.50% First Lien Senior Notes due 2029                    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                    
Stated interest rate (as a percent)     3.50%              
Aggregate principal amount of debt issued     $ 750,000,000              
Principal payments     0              
Capitalized debt issuance costs     $ 7,000,000              
Senior notes | 4.375% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2028                    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                    
Stated interest rate (as a percent)         4.375%   4.375%      
Aggregate principal amount of debt issued         $ 750,000,000          
Principal payments         0          
Debt issuance costs, net         $ 6,000,000          
Senior notes | 4.00% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2030                    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                    
Stated interest rate (as a percent)               4.00%    
Aggregate principal amount of debt issued               $ 2,900,000,000    
Principal payments               0    
Capitalized debt issuance costs               $ 26,000,000    
Senior notes | 5.00% Second Lien Senior Notes 2025 (due October 15, 2025 )                    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                    
Stated interest rate (as a percent)               5.00%    
Principal amount redeemed               $ 2,800,000,000    
Loss on early extinguishment of debt               $ 79,000,000    
v3.22.0.1
Long-Term Debt - Restrictions and Covenants (Details) - USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Nov. 09, 2020
Apr. 07, 2020
Nov. 19, 2019
Sep. 24, 2019
Senior notes | 3.875% First Lien Senior Notes due 2028            
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]            
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 3.875%         3.875%
Senior notes | 5.75% First Lien Senior Notes due 2025            
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]            
Stated interest rate (as a percent)       5.75%    
Senior notes | 3.50% First Lien Senior Notes due 2029            
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]            
Stated interest rate (as a percent)     3.50%      
Senior notes | 4.375% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2028            
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]            
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 4.375%       4.375%  
Senior notes | 4.00% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2030            
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]            
Stated interest rate (as a percent)   4.00%        
Line of Credit            
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]            
First lien senior secured leverage ratio limit 6.50          
Amount of letter of credit outstanding $ 50,000,000          
Swingline loans outstanding percentage (as a percent) 30.00%          
v3.22.0.1
Long-Term Debt - TH Facility and RE Facility (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
subsidiary
Dec. 31, 2021
CAD ($)
subsidiary
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]      
Principal carrying amount of our variable term debt and senior notes $ 12,978,000,000   $ 12,476,000,000
TH Facility | Line of Credit      
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]      
Number of subsidiaries | subsidiary 1 1  
Maximum borrowing capacity   $ 225,000,000  
Number of guaranteed subsidiaries | subsidiary 4 4  
Principal carrying amount of our variable term debt and senior notes   $ 214,000,000  
Effective interest rate (as a percent) 1.85% 1.85%  
TH Facility | Line of Credit | Canadian Bankers' Acceptance rate      
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]      
Debt instrument floor rate (as a percent) 1.40%    
TH Facility | Line of Credit | Prime rate      
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]      
Debt instrument floor rate (as a percent) 0.40%    
RE Facility | Line of Credit      
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]      
Number of subsidiaries | subsidiary 1 1  
Maximum borrowing capacity $ 50,000,000    
Number of guaranteed subsidiaries | subsidiary 4 4  
Principal carrying amount of our variable term debt and senior notes $ 0    
RE Facility | Line of Credit | Base rate      
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]      
Debt instrument floor rate (as a percent) 0.50%    
RE Facility | Line of Credit | Adjusted Term SOFR      
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]      
Debt instrument floor rate (as a percent) 1.50%    
Interest rate, base rate floor (as a percent) 0.00%    
v3.22.0.1
Long-Term Debt - Debt Issuance Costs and Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Jul. 15, 2021
Nov. 09, 2020
Sep. 24, 2019
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]              
Capitalized debt issuance costs       $ 19,000,000 $ 43,000,000 $ 50,000,000  
Loss on early extinguishment of debt       11,000,000 98,000,000 $ 23,000,000  
Senior notes | 4.25% First Lien Senior Notes due 2024              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]              
Capitalized debt issuance costs     $ 7,000,000        
Loss on early extinguishment of debt $ 11,000,000 $ 19,000,000     98,000,000    
Principal amount redeemed $ 775,000,000 $ 725,000,000   $ 775,000,000      
Stated interest rate (as a percent)       4.25%     4.25%
Senior notes | 5.00% Second Lien Senior Notes 2025 (due October 15, 2025 )              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]              
Loss on early extinguishment of debt         79,000,000    
Principal amount redeemed         $ 2,800,000,000    
Stated interest rate (as a percent)         5.00%    
Senior notes | 2022 4.625% Senior Notes              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]              
Loss on early extinguishment of debt     3,000,000        
Principal amount redeemed     $ 1,250,000,000        
Stated interest rate (as a percent)     4.625%        
v3.22.0.1
Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Aggregate Maturities of Long-Term Debt (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
2022 $ 62
2023 98
2024 108
2025 750
2026 6,148
Thereafter 5,950
Total $ 13,116
v3.22.0.1
Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Interest Expense, Net (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]      
Debt $ 461 $ 471 $ 503
Finance lease obligations 20 20 20
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount 27 26 29
Interest income (3) (9) (20)
Interest expense, net 505 508 532
Cross-currency rate swaps | Derivatives designated as net investment hedges | Interest expense, net      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]      
Gain (loss) reclassified to earnings, net investment hedge $ 45 $ 69 $ 70
v3.22.0.1
Leases - Additional Information (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
restaurant
property
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items]        
Restaurant properties to franchisees leased or subleased | restaurant 5,069      
Non restaurant properties to third parties under capital and operating leases | property 164      
Minimum lease term for assets given on lease 10 years      
Maximum lease term for assets given on lease 20 years      
Minimum lease term for assets taken on lease 10 years      
Maximum lease term for assets taken on lease 20 years      
Total shareholders’ equity $ 3,853 $ 3,721 $ 4,259 $ 3,618
Variable rent, percentage (as a percent) 100.00% 100.00%    
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment        
Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items]        
Total shareholders’ equity       $ 21
v3.22.0.1
Leases - Schedule of Assets Lease, Property and Equipment, Net (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, gross $ 2,097 $ 2,057
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (587) (534)
Property and equipment, net 1,510 1,523
Land    
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, gross 899 892
Buildings and improvements    
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, gross 1,180 1,146
Restaurant equipment    
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, gross $ 18 $ 19
v3.22.0.1
Leases - Schedule of Net Investment, Direct Financing Leases (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Future rents to be received:    
Future minimum lease receipts $ 113 $ 87
Contingent rents 7 12
Estimated unguaranteed residual value 5 7
Unearned income (40) (34)
Net investment in lease 85 72
Current portion included within accounts receivables (5) (6)
Net investment in property leased to franchisees $ 80 $ 66
v3.22.0.1
Leases - Schedule of Property Revenue (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Rental income:      
Minimum lease payments $ 455 $ 445 $ 448
Variable lease payments 329 262 370
Amortization of favorable and unfavorable income lease contracts, net 3 6 7
Subtotal - lease income from operating leases 787 713 825
Earned income on direct financing and sales-type leases 6 5 8
Total property revenues $ 793 $ 718 $ 833
v3.22.0.1
Leases - Lease Cost (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]      
Operating lease cost $ 202 $ 199 $ 210
Operating lease variable lease cost 193 177 198
Finance lease cost:      
Amortization of right-of-use assets 31 29 27
Interest on lease liabilities 20 20 20
Sublease income (587) (534) (631)
Total lease cost (income) $ (141) $ (109) $ (176)
v3.22.0.1
Leases - Lease Term and Discount Rate (Details)
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years):    
Operating leases 10 years 1 month 6 days 10 years 6 months
Finance leases 11 years 4 months 24 days 11 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted-average discount rate:    
Operating leases 5.50% 5.90%
Finance leases 6.00% 6.50%
v3.22.0.1
Leases - Other Information Associated With Leases (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:      
Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 200 $ 200 $ 194
Operating cash flows from finance leases 20 20 20
Financing cash flows from finance leases 31 29 26
Supplemental noncash information on lease liabilities arising from obtaining right-of-use assets:      
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease obligations 52 59 18
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease obligations $ 133 $ 118 $ 163
v3.22.0.1
Leases - Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Receipts and Commitments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Direct Financing and Sales-Type Leases    
2022 $ 8  
2023 8  
2024 7  
2025 7  
2026 7  
Thereafter 76  
Total minimum receipts / payments 113  
Operating Leases    
2022 404  
2023 382  
2024 350  
2025 316  
2026 278  
Thereafter 1,374  
Total minimum receipts / payments 3,104  
Finance Leases    
2022 52  
2023 50  
2024 48  
2025 45  
2026 41  
Thereafter 262  
Total minimum receipts / payments 498  
Less amount representing interest (131)  
Present value of minimum lease payments $ 367  
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Current portion of long-term debt and finance leases Current portion of long-term debt and finance leases
Current portion of lease obligations $ (34)  
Long-term portion of lease obligations 333 $ 315
Operating Leases    
2022 197  
2023 186  
2024 173  
2025 158  
2026 140  
Thereafter 675  
Total minimum receipts / payments 1,529  
Less amount representing interest (319)  
Present value of minimum lease payments 1,210  
Current portion of lease obligations (140) (137)
Long-term portion of lease obligations 1,070 $ 1,082
Minimum sublease rentals $ 1,953  
v3.22.0.1
Income Taxes - Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax [Line Items]      
Foreign $ 906 $ 616 $ 767
Income before income taxes 1,363 816 1,452
Canadian      
Income Tax [Line Items]      
Foreign $ 457 $ 200 $ 685
v3.22.0.1
Income Taxes - Income Tax (Benefit) Expense Attributable to Income from Continuing Operations (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Current:      
Total current income tax expense (benefit) $ 115 $ 274 $ 283
Deferred:      
Total (5) (208) 58
Income tax expense (benefit) 110 66 341
Canadian      
Current:      
Foreign 16 45 47
Deferred:      
Foreign 32 (67) 43
United States      
Current:      
U.S. Federal (10) 125 122
U.S. state, net of federal income tax benefit 25 26 20
Deferred:      
U.S. Federal (37) (82) 8
U.S. state, net of federal income tax benefit (7) (27) 0
Other Foreign      
Current:      
Foreign 84 78 94
Deferred:      
Foreign $ 7 $ (32) $ 7
v3.22.0.1
Income Taxes - Schedule of US Federal Tax Statutory Rate Reconciles to Effective Income Tax Rate (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]      
Statutory rate 26.50% 26.50% 26.50%
Costs and taxes related to foreign operations 3.50% 9.60% 4.70%
Foreign exchange gain (loss) 0.00% 0.50% 0.10%
Foreign tax rate differential (13.90%) (15.60%) (10.80%)
Change in valuation allowance 1.10% 1.20% 0.50%
Change in accrual for tax uncertainties (7.40%) 3.90% 5.00%
Intercompany financing (3.50%) (6.10%) (2.40%)
Impact of Tax Act 0.00% (7.80%) (0.10%)
Swiss Tax Reform 0.00% (5.10%) 1.10%
Benefit from stock option exercises (0.80%) (0.30%) (2.20%)
Litigation settlements and reserves 1.40% 0.00% 0.00%
Other 1.20% 1.20% 1.10%
Effective income tax rate 8.10% 8.00% 23.50%
v3.22.0.1
Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]        
Impact from TCJA, favorable adjustment   $ 64    
Decrease in effective tax rate (as a percent)   0.078    
Federal act on tax reform and AVS financing, change in tax rate, provisional income tax expense (benefit)   $ (41) $ 16  
Federal act on tax reform and AVS financing, change in tax rate, increase (decrease) in effective tax rate (as a percent)   (5.10%) 1.10%  
Decrease in valuation allowance $ (8)      
Unrecognized tax benefits 437 $ 497 $ 506 $ 441
Possible reduction in unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months 328      
Total amount of accrued interest and penalties 121 123    
Potential interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions $ 2 $ 31 $ 41  
Income tax returns period subject to examination (up to) 6 years      
v3.22.0.1
Income Taxes - Schedule of Income Tax (Benefit) Expense Allocated to Continuing Operations and Amounts Separately Allocated to Other Items (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]      
Income tax expense (benefit) $ 110 $ 66 $ 341
Cash flow hedge in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 72 (64) (23)
Net investment hedge in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (15) (60) (32)
Foreign Currency Translation in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (4) 12 0
Pension liability in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 3 (3) (1)
Total $ 166 $ (49) $ 285
v3.22.0.1
Income Taxes - Schedule of Deferred Income Tax (Benefit) Expense Attributable to Income from Continuing Operations (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]      
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense $ (22) $ (230) $ 30
Change in valuation allowance 14 22 7
Change in effective Canadian income tax rate 0 0 (1)
Change in effective U.S. state income tax rate 3 1 6
Change in effective foreign income tax rate 0 (1) 16
Total $ (5) $ (208) $ 58
v3.22.0.1
Income Taxes - Schedule of the Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred tax assets:        
Accounts and notes receivable $ 4 $ 6    
Accrued employee benefits 48 54    
Leases 115 114    
Operating lease liabilities 317 323    
Liabilities not currently deductible for tax 346 310    
Tax loss and credit carryforwards 517 547    
Derivatives 164 225    
Other (1) 9    
Total gross deferred tax assets 1,510 1,588    
Valuation allowance (356) (364) $ (329) $ (325)
Net deferred tax assets 1,154 1,224    
Less deferred tax liabilities:        
Property and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation 15 35    
Intangible assets 1,751 1,747    
Leases 129 114    
Operating lease assets 295 311    
Statutory impairment 29 30    
Outside basis difference 38 46    
Total gross deferred tax liabilities 2,257 2,283    
Net deferred tax liability $ 1,103 $ 1,059    
v3.22.0.1
Income Taxes - Schedule of Changes in Valuation Allowance (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance $ 364 $ 329 $ 325
Change in estimates recorded to deferred income tax expense 14 19 8
Changes in losses and credits 0 3 (2)
(Reductions) additions related to other comprehensive income (22) 13 (2)
Ending balance $ 356 $ 364 $ 329
v3.22.0.1
Income Taxes - Schedule of Amount and Expiration Dates of Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carry-forwards (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Operating Loss And Tax Credit Carryforwards [Line Items]  
Total $ 2,719
Canadian net operating loss carryforwards  
Operating Loss And Tax Credit Carryforwards [Line Items]  
Operating loss carryforwards 728
Canadian capital loss carryforwards  
Operating Loss And Tax Credit Carryforwards [Line Items]  
Capital loss carryforwards 866
Canadian tax credits  
Operating Loss And Tax Credit Carryforwards [Line Items]  
U.S. foreign tax credits 3
U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards  
Operating Loss And Tax Credit Carryforwards [Line Items]  
Operating loss carryforwards 680
U.S. capital loss carryforwards  
Operating Loss And Tax Credit Carryforwards [Line Items]  
Capital loss carryforwards 16
U.S. foreign tax credits  
Operating Loss And Tax Credit Carryforwards [Line Items]  
U.S. foreign tax credits 112
Foreign tax credits  
Operating Loss And Tax Credit Carryforwards [Line Items]  
Operating loss carryforwards 207
Capital loss carryforwards 30
Other foreign net operating loss carryforwards  
Operating Loss And Tax Credit Carryforwards [Line Items]  
Operating loss carryforwards $ 77
v3.22.0.1
Income Taxes - A Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amounts of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance $ 497 $ 506 $ 441
Additions for tax positions related to the current year 9 9 9
Additions for tax positions of prior years 23 7 56
Reductions for tax positions of prior year (5) (25) 0
Additions for settlement 7 0 0
Reductions due to statute expiration (94) 0 0
Ending balance $ 437 $ 497 $ 506
v3.22.0.1
Derivative Instruments - Additional Information (Details)
€ in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2021
CAD ($)
Dec. 31, 2021
EUR (€)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]            
Net unrealized loss recognized in AOCI $ (96,000,000) $ 244,000,000 $ 77,000,000      
Interest Rate Swap - Period One            
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]            
Notional value 3,500,000,000          
Net unrealized loss recognized in AOCI 143,000,000          
Loss reclassified from AOCI to income 28,000,000          
Interest Rate Swap - Period Two            
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]            
Notional value 500,000,000          
Interest rate swaps            
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]            
Notional value 3,500,000,000          
Net unrealized loss recognized in AOCI     213,000,000      
Loss reclassified from AOCI to income 50,000,000          
Cross currency interest rate contract | Fixed income interest rate            
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]            
Notional value 5,000,000,000     $ 6,754    
Cross currency interest rate contract | Fixed income interest rate | Derivatives designated as net investment hedges            
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]            
Notional value 150,000,000   $ 500,000,000     $ 400,000,000
Cross currency interest rate contract | Fixed income interest rate | Hedge funds            
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]            
Notional value 1,200,000,000       € 1,108  
Foreign Exchange Contract            
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]            
Notional value $ 171,000,000          
v3.22.0.1
Derivative Instruments - Quantitative Disclosures of Derivative Instruments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges | Interest rate swaps      
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]      
Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) $ 132 $ (333) $ (102)
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges | Interest rate swaps | Interest expense, net      
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]      
Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Earnings (125) (102) (26)
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges | Forward-currency contracts      
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]      
Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 0 (2) (4)
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges | Forward-currency contracts | Cost of sales      
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]      
Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Earnings (7) 2 5
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges | Cross-currency rate swaps      
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]      
Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 96 (302) (118)
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges | Cross-currency rate swaps | Interest expense, net      
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]      
Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings (Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing) $ 45 $ 69 $ 70
v3.22.0.1
Derivative Instruments - Schedule of Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivatives assets $ 25 $ 0
Derivatives liabilities 575 869
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges | Interest rate | Other liabilities, net    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivatives liabilities 220 430
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges | Foreign currency | Prepaids and other current assets    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivatives assets 2 0
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges | Foreign currency | Other accrued liabilities    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivatives liabilities 0 5
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges | Foreign currency | Other assets, net    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivatives assets 23 0
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges | Foreign currency | Other liabilities, net    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivatives liabilities $ 355 $ 434
v3.22.0.1
Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
day
shares
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
shares
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
shares
Jul. 28, 2021
shares
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]        
Consecutive trading days | day 20      
Partnership exchangeable units (in shares)   10,393,861 42,016,392  
Repurchase of partnership exchangeable units (in shares)   6,757,692    
Repurchase of partnership exchangeable units | $   $ 380,000,000    
Gain (loss) recorded on equity transactions | $ $ 0 $ 0 $ 0  
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased (in shares up to)       1,000,000,000
Number of shares repurchased and cancelled (in shares) 9,247,648      
Amount of shares repurchased and cancelled | $ $ 551,000,000      
Partnerships with exchangeable units        
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]        
Partnership exchangeable units (in shares) 10,119,880 3,636,169 42,016,392  
Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership        
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]        
Partnership exchangeable units economic interest 31.90% 33.70%    
Partnership exchangeable units economic interest (in shares) 144,993,458 155,113,338    
v3.22.0.1
Shareholders' Equity - Schedule of Change in Components of AOCI (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance $ 3,721 $ 4,259 $ 3,618
Foreign currency translation adjustment (67) 332 409
Net change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax 207 (486) (163)
Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax 96 73 15
Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax 15 (16) (2)
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests (107) 6 (222)
Ending balance 3,853 3,721 4,259
Derivatives      
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance (69) 199 253
Net change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax 207 (486) (163)
Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax 96 73 15
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests (98) 145 94
Ending balance 136 (69) 199
Pensions      
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance (30) (19) (15)
Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax 15 (16) (2)
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests (6) 5 (2)
Ending balance (21) (30) (19)
Foreign Currency Translation      
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance (755) (943) (1,038)
Foreign currency translation adjustment (67) 332 409
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests (3) (144) (314)
Ending balance (825) (755) (943)
Accumulated  Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)      
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance (854) (763) (800)
Ending balance $ (710) $ (854) $ (763)
v3.22.0.1
Share-based Compensation - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended 24 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Portion of options vesting on each anniversary date, vesting percentage (as a percent) 20.00%      
Unrecognized compensation cost, period for recognition 2 years 7 months 6 days      
Expected term of grant options 5 years 10 months 17 days 5 years 10 months 17 days 6 years 2 months 8 days  
Fair value of options granted (in usd per share) $ 10.15 $ 10.38 $ 11.83  
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised $ 46 $ 55 $ 200  
U.S. Treasury Yield | Maximum        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Expected term of grant options 5 years      
First Anniversary        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Portion of options vesting on each anniversary date, vesting percentage (as a percent) 20.00%      
Second Anniversary        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Portion of options vesting on each anniversary date, vesting percentage (as a percent) 40.00%      
Third Anniversary        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Portion of options vesting on each anniversary date, vesting percentage (as a percent) 100.00%      
2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Shares available for issuance under the plan (in shares) 10,122,551      
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Vesting period 5 years      
Stock options, expiration period 10 years      
Stock Compensation Plan        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Unrecognized compensation cost $ 189      
Performance-based RSUs        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Vesting period 3 years     3 years
Portion of options vesting on each anniversary date, vesting percentage (as a percent) 100.00%     100.00%
Employee service period 2 years     3 years
Weighted average grant date fair value, over period of time (in usd per share)   $ 62,690,000 $ 65,540,000  
Performance-based RSUs | Maximum        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Employee service period       5 years
Performance-based RSUs | Minimum        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Employee service period       3 years
Performance-based RSUs | If employee retires        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Portion of options vesting on each anniversary date, vesting percentage (as a percent) 67.00%     50.00%
Time-vested RSUs and Performance-based RSUs        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Vesting period       5 years
Time-vested RSUs        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Vesting period 4 years     3 years
Portion of options vesting on each anniversary date, vesting percentage (as a percent) 25.00%      
Employee service period       2 years
Percentage of RSUs forfeited (as a percent)       100.00%
Weighted average grant date fair value, over period of time (in usd per share)   $ 65,200,000 $ 64,820,000  
Time-vested RSUs | Maximum        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Vesting period 4 years      
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Portion of options vesting on each anniversary date, vesting percentage (as a percent)       20.00%
Total intrinsic value of vested RSU's $ 99 $ 21 $ 8  
v3.22.0.1
Share-based Compensation - Schedule of Share-based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]      
Total share-based compensation expense - Stock options and RSUs $ 88 $ 74 $ 68
Modification of awards $ 2 $ 3 $ 4
v3.22.0.1
Share-based Compensation - Schedule of the Significant Assumptions Used During the Year to Estimate the Fair Value of Stock Options (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]      
Risk-free interest rate 1.29% 1.29% 1.82%
Expected term (in years) 5 years 10 months 17 days 5 years 10 months 17 days 6 years 2 months 8 days
Expected volatility 23.90% 23.90% 25.50%
Expected dividend yield 3.14% 3.14% 3.09%
v3.22.0.1
Share-based Compensation - Schedule of Option Activity under the Various Plan (Details)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Total Number of Options  
Outstanding beginning balance (in shares) | shares 8,202
Granted (in shares) | shares 15
Exercised (in shares) | shares (1,594)
Forfeited (in shares) | shares (416)
Outstanding ending balance (in shares) | shares 6,207
Number of options, exercisable (in shares) | shares 1,961
Number of options, vested or expected to vest (in shares) | shares 5,671
Weighted  Average Exercise Price  
Outstanding beginning balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 51.86
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 65.11
Exercised (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 37.83
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 63.00
Outstanding ending balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 54.80
Weighted average exercise price, exercisable (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 39.68
Weighted average exercise price, vested or expected to vest (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 54.10
Stock Option Activity, Additional Disclosures  
Aggregate intrinsic value outstanding | $ $ 48,468
Weighted average remaining contractual term 5 years 7 months 6 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, exercisable | $ $ 41,255
Weighted average remaining contractual term, exercisable 3 years 3 months 18 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, vested or expected to vest | $ $ 47,650
Weighted average remaining contractual term, vested or expected to vest 5 years 6 months
v3.22.0.1
Share-based Compensation - Schedule of Time-Vested RSUs and Performance-Based RSUs Activity (Details)
shares in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
$ / shares
shares
Time-vested RSUs  
Total Number of Shares (in 000’s)  
Outstanding beginning balance (in shares) | shares 1,761
Granted (in shares) | shares 1,566
Vested and settled (in shares) | shares (455)
Dividend equivalents grants (in shares) | shares 68
Forfeited (in shares) | shares (176)
Outstanding ending balance (in shares) | shares 2,764
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value  
Outstanding beginning balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 49.99
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 60.97
Vested & settled (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 39.54
Dividend equivalents granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 0
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 61.98
Outstanding ending balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 57.47
Performance-based RSUs  
Total Number of Shares (in 000’s)  
Outstanding beginning balance (in shares) | shares 4,869
Granted (in shares) | shares 425
Vested and settled (in shares) | shares (1,189)
Dividend equivalents grants (in shares) | shares 133
Forfeited (in shares) | shares (343)
Outstanding ending balance (in shares) | shares 3,895
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value  
Outstanding beginning balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 56.96
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 57.60
Vested & settled (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 38.07
Dividend equivalents granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 0
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 67.36
Outstanding ending balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 62.09
v3.22.0.1
Revenue Recognition - Change in Contract Liabilities (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Change In Contract With Customer Liability [Roll Forward]  
Beginning balance $ 528
Revenue recognized that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the year (57)
Increase, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period 73
Impact of foreign currency translation (13)
Ending balance 531
TH  
Change In Contract With Customer Liability [Roll Forward]  
Beginning balance 62
Revenue recognized that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the year (9)
Increase, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period 12
Impact of foreign currency translation 0
Ending balance 65
BK  
Change In Contract With Customer Liability [Roll Forward]  
Beginning balance 427
Revenue recognized that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the year (44)
Increase, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period 40
Impact of foreign currency translation (13)
Ending balance 410
PLK  
Change In Contract With Customer Liability [Roll Forward]  
Beginning balance 39
Revenue recognized that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the year (4)
Increase, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period 21
Impact of foreign currency translation 0
Ending balance $ 56
v3.22.0.1
Revenue Recognition - Estimated Revenue Recognition (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in $ 531
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period 1 year
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in $ 48
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period 1 year
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in $ 46
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period 1 year
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in $ 45
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2025-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period 1 year
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in $ 44
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2026-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period 1 year
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in $ 40
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2027-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in $ 308
TH  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in $ 65
TH | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period 1 year
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in $ 10
TH | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period 1 year
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in $ 9
TH | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period 1 year
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in $ 9
TH | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2025-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period 1 year
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in $ 8
TH | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2026-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period 1 year
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in $ 6
TH | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2027-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in $ 23
BK  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in $ 410
BK | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period 1 year
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in $ 34
BK | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period 1 year
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in $ 33
BK | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period 1 year
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in $ 32
BK | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2025-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period 1 year
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in $ 32
BK | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2026-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period 1 year
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in $ 31
BK | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2027-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in $ 248
PLK  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in $ 56
PLK | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period 1 year
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in $ 4
PLK | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period 1 year
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in $ 4
PLK | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period 1 year
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in $ 4
PLK | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2025-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period 1 year
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in $ 4
PLK | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2026-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period 1 year
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in $ 3
PLK | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2027-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in $ 37
v3.22.0.1
Revenue Recognition - Disaggregation of Total Revenues (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]      
Total lease cost (income) $ 793 $ 718 $ 833
Total revenues 5,739 4,968 5,603
Sales      
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]      
Sales 2,378 2,013 2,362
Total revenues 2,378 2,013 2,362
Royalties      
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]      
Sales 1,561 1,327 1,459
Franchise fees and other revenue      
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]      
Sales 98 76 89
Advertising revenues      
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]      
Sales 909 834 860
Total revenues $ 909 $ 834 $ 860
v3.22.0.1
Other Operating Expenses (Income), net - Other Operating Expenses (Income), net (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]      
Net losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings $ 2 $ 6 $ 7
Litigation settlements and reserves, net 81 7 2
Net losses (gains) on foreign exchange (76) 100 (15)
Other, net 0 (8) (4)
Other operating expenses (income), net $ 7 $ 105 $ (10)
v3.22.0.1
Other Operating Expenses (Income), net (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Burger King And Popeyes | China    
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]    
Litigation settlements and reserves, current $ 100 $ 72
v3.22.0.1
Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Commitments Contingencies And Litigation [Line Items]  
Litigation settlement, gross $ 33
Purchase commitments  
Commitments Contingencies And Litigation [Line Items]  
Contractual obligation related with telecommunication 3 years
Purchase of advertising $ 194
Standby letters of credit  
Commitments Contingencies And Litigation [Line Items]  
Amount of letter of credit outstanding 12
Letters of credit secured by collateral $ 2
v3.22.0.1
Segment Reporting and Geographical Information - Additional Information (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
segment
brand
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Number of brands | brand 4
Number of operating segments 4
Number of reportable segments 4
v3.22.0.1
Segment Reporting and Geographical Information - Revenues by Operating Segment and Country (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]      
Total revenues $ 5,739 $ 4,968 $ 5,603
Canadian      
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]      
Total revenues $ 3,035 $ 2,546 $ 3,037
Canadian | Sales revenue, net | Geographic concentration risk      
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]      
Percentage of revenue (as a percent) 10.00% 10.00% 10.00%
United States      
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]      
Total revenues $ 2,005 $ 1,889 $ 1,930
United States | Sales revenue, net | Geographic concentration risk      
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]      
Percentage of revenue (as a percent) 10.00% 10.00% 10.00%
Other      
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]      
Total revenues $ 699 $ 533 $ 636
TH      
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]      
Total revenues 3,342 2,810 3,344
BK      
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]      
Total revenues 1,813 1,602 1,777
PLK      
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]      
Total revenues 579 556 482
FHS      
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]      
Total revenues $ 5 $ 0 $ 0
v3.22.0.1
Segment Reporting and Geographical Information - Depreciation and Amortization Expense (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Depreciation and amortization $ 201 $ 189 $ 185
TH      
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Depreciation and amortization 132 119 112
BK      
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Depreciation and amortization 62 62 62
PLK      
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Depreciation and amortization $ 7 $ 8 $ 11
v3.22.0.1
Segment Reporting and Geographical Information - (Income) Loss from Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
(Income) loss from equity method investments $ 4 $ 39 $ (11)
TH      
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
(Income) loss from equity method investments (13) (4) (7)
BK      
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
(Income) loss from equity method investments $ 17 $ 43 $ (4)
v3.22.0.1
Segment Reporting and Geographical Information - Capital Expenditure (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Capital Expenditures:      
Capital expenditures $ 106 $ 117 $ 62
TH      
Capital Expenditures:      
Capital expenditures 61 92 37
BK      
Capital Expenditures:      
Capital expenditures 34 18 20
PLK      
Capital Expenditures:      
Capital expenditures $ 11 $ 7 $ 5
v3.22.0.1
Segment Reporting and Geographical Information - Schedule of Segment Related Assets and Long Lived Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]    
Assets $ 23,246 $ 22,777
Long-Lived Assets 3,245 3,249
Canadian    
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]    
Long-Lived Assets $ 1,670 $ 1,685
Canadian | Geographic concentration risk | Assets, Total    
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]    
Percentage of revenue (as a percent) 10.00% 10.00%
United States    
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]    
Long-Lived Assets $ 1,556 $ 1,539
United States | Geographic concentration risk | Assets, Total    
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]    
Percentage of revenue (as a percent) 10.00% 10.00%
Other    
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]    
Long-Lived Assets $ 19 $ 25
Operating segments | TH    
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]    
Assets 13,995 13,963
Long-Lived Assets 1,963 1,990
Operating segments | BK    
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]    
Assets 4,946 5,334
Long-Lived Assets 1,137 1,128
Operating segments | PLK    
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]    
Assets 2,563 2,525
Long-Lived Assets 141 131
Operating segments | FHS    
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]    
Assets 1,103 0
Long-Lived Assets 4 0
Unallocated    
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]    
Assets 639 955
Long-Lived Assets $ 0 $ 0
v3.22.0.1
Segment Reporting and Geographical Information - Reconciliation of Segment Income to Net Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Adjusted EBITDA $ 2,248 $ 1,864 $ 2,304
Impact of equity method investments 4 39 (11)
Other operating expenses (income), net 7 105 (10)
EBITDA 2,080 1,611 2,192
Depreciation and amortization 201 189 185
Income from operations 1,879 1,422 2,007
Interest expense, net 505 508 532
Loss on early extinguishment of debt 11 98 23
Income tax expense 110 66 341
Net income 1,253 750 1,111
FHS      
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
FHS Transaction costs 18 0 0
TH      
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Impact of equity method investments (13) (4) (7)
BK      
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Impact of equity method investments 17 43 (4)
Operating segments | TH      
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Adjusted EBITDA 997 823 1,122
Operating segments | BK      
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Adjusted EBITDA 1,021 823 994
Operating segments | PLK      
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Adjusted EBITDA 228 218 188
Operating segments | FHS      
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Adjusted EBITDA 2 0 0
Unallocated management G&A      
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense 102 84 74
Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees 16 16 31
Office centralization and relocation costs 0 0 6
Impact of equity method investments 25 48 11
Other operating expenses (income), net $ 7 $ 105 $ (10)
v3.22.0.1
Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Details) - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Apr. 06, 2022
Feb. 15, 2022
Jan. 05, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Subsequent Event [Line Items]            
Cash dividend declared by board (in dollars per share)       $ 2.12 $ 2.08 $ 2.00
Forecast            
Subsequent Event [Line Items]            
Cash dividend paid per common share (in dollars per share) $ 0.54          
Subsequent event            
Subsequent Event [Line Items]            
Cash dividend paid per common share (in dollars per share)     $ 0.53      
Cash dividend declared by board (in dollars per share)   $ 0.54        
Subsequent event | Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership | Partnerships with exchangeable units            
Subsequent Event [Line Items]            
Distribution in respect of Partnership exchangeable unit (in dollars per share)   $ 0.54 $ 0.53