RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL INC., 10-K filed on 2/22/2023
Annual Report
v3.22.4
Cover Page - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Feb. 14, 2023
Jun. 30, 2022
Cover [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2022    
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     $ 15,203,744,609
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   307,947,651  
Documents Incorporated by Reference Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2023 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, which is to be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2022, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2022    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Entity Central Index Key 0001618756    
v3.22.4
Audit Information
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Audit Information [Abstract]  
Auditor Name KPMG LLP
Auditor Location Miami, FL
Auditor Firm ID 185
v3.22.4
Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,178 $ 1,087
Accounts and notes receivable, net of allowance of $36 and $18, respectively 614 547
Inventories, net 133 96
Prepaids and other current assets 123 86
Total current assets 2,048 1,816
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $1,061 and $979, respectively 1,950 2,035
Operating lease assets, net 1,082 1,130
Intangible assets, net 10,991 11,417
Goodwill 5,688 6,006
Net investment in property leased to franchisees 82 80
Other assets, net 905 762
Total assets 22,746 23,246
Current liabilities:    
Accounts and drafts payable 758 614
Other accrued liabilities 1,001 947
Gift card liability 230 221
Current portion of long-term debt and finance leases 127 96
Total current liabilities 2,116 1,878
Long-term debt, net of current portion 12,839 12,916
Finance leases, net of current portion 311 333
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion 1,027 1,070
Other liabilities, net 872 1,822
Deferred income taxes, net 1,313 1,374
Total liabilities 18,478 19,393
Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)
Shareholders’ equity:    
Common shares, no par value; Unlimited shares authorized at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021; 307,142,436 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2022; 309,025,068 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021 2,057 2,156
Retained earnings 1,121 791
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (679) (710)
Total Restaurant Brands International Inc. shareholders’ equity 2,499 2,237
Noncontrolling interests 1,769 1,616
Total shareholders’ equity 4,268 3,853
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 22,746 $ 23,246
v3.22.4
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]    
Financing receivable, allowance for credit loss, current $ 36 $ 18
Accumulated depreciation and amortization $ 1,061 $ 979
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0 $ 0
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Unlimited Unlimited
Common stock, shares issued (in shares) 307,142,436 309,025,068
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 307,142,436 309,025,068
v3.22.4
Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Revenues:      
Total revenues $ 6,505 $ 5,739 $ 4,968
Operating costs and expenses:      
Cost of sales 2,312 1,890 1,610
Franchise and property expenses 518 489 515
Advertising expenses and other services 1,077 986 870
General and administrative expenses 631 484 407
(Income) loss from equity method investments 44 4 39
Other operating expenses (income), net 25 7 105
Total operating costs and expenses 4,607 3,860 3,546
Income from operations 1,898 1,879 1,422
Interest expense, net 533 505 508
Loss on early extinguishment of debt 0 11 98
Income before income taxes 1,365 1,363 816
Income tax (benefit) expense (117) 110 66
Net income 1,482 1,253 750
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (Note 13) 474 415 264
Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 1,008 $ 838 $ 486
Earnings per common share:      
Basic (in dollars per share) $ 3.28 $ 2.71 $ 1.61
Diluted (in dollars per share) $ 3.25 $ 2.69 $ 1.60
Weighted average shares outstanding (in millions):      
Basic (in shares) 307 310 302
Diluted (in shares) 455 464 468
Sales      
Revenues:      
Total revenues $ 2,819 $ 2,378 $ 2,013
Franchise and property revenues      
Revenues:      
Total revenues 2,661 2,443 2,121
Advertising revenues and other services      
Revenues:      
Total revenues $ 1,025 $ 918 $ 834
v3.22.4
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]      
Net income $ 1,482 $ 1,253 $ 750
Foreign currency translation adjustment (703) (67) 332
Net change in fair value of net investment hedges, net of tax of $(77), $15, and $60 332 111 (242)
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax of $(141), $(36), and $91 382 96 (244)
Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax of $(12), $(36), and $(27) 34 96 73
Gain (loss) recognized on defined benefit pension plans and other items, net of tax of $(2), $(3), and $3 6 15 (16)
Other comprehensive income (loss) 51 251 (97)
Comprehensive income (loss) 1,533 1,504 653
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests 490 499 224
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common shareholders $ 1,043 $ 1,005 $ 429
v3.22.4
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]      
Net change in fair value of net investment hedges, tax $ (77) $ 15 $ 60
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges, tax (141) (36) 91
Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, tax (12) (36) (27)
Gain (loss) recognized on other, tax $ (2) $ (3) $ 3
v3.22.4
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Total
  Issued Common Shares
Retained Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Noncontrolling Interests
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019   298,281,081      
Beginning 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 Partnership exchangeable units $ (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      
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)   1,594,146      
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 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
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]          
Stock option exercises (in shares) 484,000 483,980      
Stock option exercises $ 21 $ 21      
Share-based compensation 121 $ 121      
Issuance of shares (in shares)   1,737,934      
Issuance of shares 43 $ 43      
Dividends declared on common shares (664)   (664)    
Dividend equivalents declared on restricted stock units 0 $ 14 (14)    
Distributions declared by Partnership on partnership exchangeable units (309)       (309)
Repurchase of RBI common shares (in shares)   (6,101,364)      
Repurchase of RBI common shares (326) $ (326)      
Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares (in shares)   1,996,818      
Exchange of Partnership exchangeable units for RBI common shares 0 $ 28   (4) (24)
Restaurant VIE contributions (distributions) (4)       (4)
Net income 1,482   1,008   474
Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 51     35 16
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2022 307,142,436 307,142,436      
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2022 $ 4,268 $ 2,057 $ 1,121 $ (679) $ 1,769
v3.22.4
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]      
Dividends per common share (in dollars per share) $ 2.16 $ 2.12 $ 2.08
Distributions declared on partnership exchangeable units (in dollars per share) $ 2.16 $ 2.12 $ 2.08
v3.22.4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net income $ 1,482 $ 1,253 $ 750
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization 190 201 189
Premiums paid and non-cash loss on early extinguishment of debt 0 11 97
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount 28 27 26
(Income) loss from equity method investments 44 4 39
Loss (gain) on remeasurement of foreign denominated transactions (4) (76) 100
Net (gains) losses on derivatives (9) 87 32
Share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense 136 102 84
Deferred income taxes (60) (5) (208)
Other 19 (16) 28
Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions and dispositions:      
Accounts and notes receivable (110) 8 (30)
Inventories and prepaids and other current assets (61) 12 (10)
Accounts and drafts payable 169 149 (183)
Other accrued liabilities and gift card liability 37 67 6
Tenant inducements paid to franchisees (26) (20) (22)
Other long-term assets and liabilities (345) (78) 23
Net cash provided by operating activities 1,490 1,726 921
Cash flows from investing activities:      
Payments for property and equipment (100) (106) (117)
Net proceeds from disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings 12 16 12
Net payment for purchase of Firehouse Subs, net of cash acquired (12) (1,004) 0
Settlement/sale of derivatives, net 71 5 33
Other investing activities, net (35) (14) (7)
Net cash used for investing activities (64) (1,103) (79)
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Proceeds from revolving line of credit and long-term debt 2 1,335 5,235
Repayments of revolving line of credit, long-term debt and finance leases (94) (889) (4,708)
Payment of financing costs 0 (19) (43)
Payment of dividends on common shares and distributions on Partnership exchangeable units (971) (974) (959)
Repurchase of Partnership exchangeable units 0 0 (380)
Repurchase of common shares (326) (551) 0
Proceeds from stock option exercises 21 60 82
Proceeds from issuance of common shares 30 0 0
(Payments) proceeds from derivatives 34    
(Payments) proceeds from derivatives   (51) (46)
Other financing activities, net (3) (4) (2)
Net cash used for financing activities (1,307) (1,093) (821)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents (28) (3) 6
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 91 (473) 27
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1,087 1,560 1,533
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 1,178 1,087 1,560
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:      
Interest paid 487 404 463
Income taxes paid, net $ 275 $ 256 $ 267
v3.22.4
Description of Business and Organization
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
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, 2022, we franchised or owned 5,600 Tim Hortons restaurants, 19,789 Burger King restaurants, 4,091 Popeyes restaurants, and 1,242 Firehouse restaurants, for a total of 30,722 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.
v3.22.4
Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
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.
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. We also consolidate marketing funds we control. 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, 2022 and 2021, we determined that we are the primary beneficiary of 41 and 46 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 2021 reclassification of $9 million of technology fee revenues from Franchise and property revenues to Advertising revenues and other services and $24 million of technology expenses from General and administrative expenses to Advertising expenses and other services. 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.
Accounts and Notes Receivable, net
Our credit loss exposure is mainly concentrated in our accounts and notes receivable portfolio, which consists primarily of amounts due from franchisees, including royalties, rents, franchise fees, contributions due to advertising funds we manage and, in the case of our TH segment, amounts due for supply chain sales. Accounts and notes receivable are reported net of an allowance for expected credit losses over the estimated life of the receivable. Credit losses are estimated based on aging, historical collection experience, financial position of the franchisee and other factors, including those related to current economic conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future conditions.
Bad debt expense recognized for expected credit losses is classified in our consolidated statement of operations as Cost of sales, Franchise and property expenses or Advertising expenses and other services, based on the nature of the underlying receivable. Net bad debt expense (recoveries) totaled $19 million in 2022, $(9) million in 2021 and $33 million in 2020.
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.
Capitalized Software and Cloud Computing Costs
We record capitalized software at historical cost less accumulated amortization, which is recognized using the straight-line method. Amortization expense is based on the estimated useful life of the software, which is primarily up to five years, once the asset is available for its intended use.
Implementation costs incurred in connection with Cloud Computing Arrangements (“CCA”) are capitalized consistently with costs capitalized for internal-use software. Capitalized CCA implementation costs are included in “Other assets” in the consolidated balance sheets and are amortized over the term of the related hosting agreement, including renewal periods that are reasonably certain to be exercised. Amortization expense of CCA implementation costs is classified as “General and administrative expenses” in the consolidated statements of operations.
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 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, 2022, 2021 and 2020 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. Derivative instruments accounted for as net investments hedges are classified as long term assets and liabilities 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,
20222021
Fair value of our variable term debt and senior notes$11,885 $12,851 
Principal carrying amount of our variable term debt and senior notes12,890 12,943 
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 2022 and 2020 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 and property revenues
Franchise revenues consist primarily of royalties, 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, (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. These services are highly interrelated and dependent upon the franchise license and we concluded these services do not represent individually distinct performance obligations. Consequently, we bundle the franchise license performance obligation and promises to provide these services into a single performance obligation (the “Franchise PO”), which we satisfy by providing a right to use our intellectual property over the term of each franchise agreement.
Royalties are calculated as a percentage of franchise restaurant sales over the term of the franchise agreement. 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 represent sales-based royalties that are related entirely to the Franchise PO and are recognized as franchise sales occur. 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 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.
In certain instances, we provide incentives to franchisees in connection with restaurant renovations or other initiatives. These incentives may consist of cash consideration or non-cash consideration such as restaurant equipment. In general, these incentives are designed to support system-wide sales growth to increase our future revenues. The costs of these incentives are capitalized and amortized as a reduction in franchise and property revenue over the term of the contract to which the incentive relates.
Advertising revenues and other services
Advertising revenues consist primarily of franchisee contributions to advertising funds in those markets where our subsidiaries manage an advertising fund and 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. We determined our advertising and promotion management services do not represent individually distinct performance obligations and are included in the Franchise PO.
Other services revenues consist primarily of fees from digital sales that partially offset expenses related to technology initiatives. These services are distinct from the Franchise PO because they are not dependent upon the franchise license or highly interrelated with the franchise license.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales consists primarily of costs associated with the management of our TH supply chain, including cost of goods, direct labor, depreciation and bad debt expense (recoveries) from supply chain sales. Cost of sales also includes food, paper and labor costs of Company restaurants.
Franchise and Property Expenses
Franchise and property expenses consist primarily of depreciation of properties leased to franchisees, rental expense associated with properties subleased to franchisees, amortization of franchise agreements, and bad debt expense (recoveries) from franchise and property revenues.
Advertising Expenses and Other Services
Advertising expenses and other services consist primarily of expenses relating to marketing, advertising and promotion, including market research, production, advertising costs, sales promotions, social media campaigns, technology initiatives, bad debt expense (recoveries) from franchisee contributions to advertising funds we manage, depreciation and amortization and other related support functions for the respective brands. Additionally, we may incur discretionary expenses to fund advertising programs in connection with periodic initiatives.
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. Consolidated advertising expense totaled $1,032 million, $962 million and $870 million in 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
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 (“RSUs”) is generally based on the closing price of RBI's common shares on the trading day preceding the date of grant. Our total shareholder return and 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
Accounting Relief for the Transition Away from LIBOR and Certain other Reference Rates – In March 2020 and as clarified in January 2021 and December 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“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, 2024. 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, 2024, except for hedging relationships existing as of December 31, 2024, 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. The adoption of this new guidance during the first quarter of 2022 did not have a material impact on our Financial Statements.
Liabilities—Supplier Finance Programs – In September 2022, the FASB issued guidance that requires buyers in a supplier finance program to disclose sufficient information about the program to allow investors to understand the program's nature, activity during the period, changes from period to period, and potential magnitude. These disclosures would include the key terms of the program, as well as the obligation amount that the buyer has confirmed as valid to the third party that is outstanding at the end of the reporting period, a rollforward of that amount, and a description of where that amount is presented in the balance sheet. This amendment is effective in 2023, except for the amendment on rollforward information which is effective in 2024, with early adoption permitted. This guidance should be applied retrospectively to each period in which a balance sheet is presented, except for the amendment on rollforward information, which should be applied prospectively. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this new guidance will have on our Financial Statements and will add necessary disclosures upon adoption.
v3.22.4
Firehouse Acquisition
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]  
Firehouse Acquisition Firehouse Acquisition
We acquired Firehouse Subs on December 15, 2021 (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 $1,016 million. 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 totaled $1 million during 2022 and $18 million during 2021, consisting primarily of professional fees and compensation related expenses which are classified as general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
During 2022, we adjusted our preliminary estimate of the fair value of net assets acquired. The final 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
816 
Franchise agreements19 
Operating lease assets
Total liabilities(48)
Total identifiable net assets821 
Goodwill195 
Total consideration$1,016 

The adjustments to the preliminary estimate of net assets acquired and a decrease in total consideration resulted in a corresponding decrease in estimated goodwill due to the following changes to preliminary estimates of fair values and allocation of purchase price (in millions):
Increase (Decrease) in Goodwill
Change in:
Operating lease assets$(9)
Firehouse Subs brand
(48)
Franchise agreements(19)
Total liabilities35 
Total consideration(17)
   Total decrease in goodwill$(58)
The Firehouse Subs brand has been assigned an indefinite life and, therefore, will not be amortized, but rather tested annually for impairment. Franchise agreements have a weighted average amortization period of 18 years. Goodwill attributable to the Firehouse Acquisition will be deductible and amortized 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 allocated goodwill related to the Firehouse Acquisition to our FHS operating segment and to one reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing purposes. In the event that actual results vary from the estimates or assumptions used in the valuation or allocation process, we may be required to record an impairment charge or an increase in depreciation or amortization in future periods, or both. We completed our impairment reviews for goodwill and the Firehouse Subs brand as of October 1, 2022 and no impairment resulted.
The results of operations of Firehouse Subs have been included in our consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date of December 15, 2021. 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.
v3.22.4
Earnings per Share
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
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):
202220212020
Numerator:
Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic$1,008 $838 $486 
Add: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests471 411 262 
Net income available to common shareholders and noncontrolling interests - diluted$1,479 $1,249 $748 
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares - basic307 310 302 
Exchange of noncontrolling interests for common shares (Note 12)144 151 162 
Effect of other dilutive securities
Weighted average common shares - diluted455 464 468 
Basic earnings per share (a)$3.28 $2.71 $1.61 
Diluted earnings per share (a)$3.25 $2.69 $1.60 
Anti-dilutive securities outstanding
(a)Earnings per share may not recalculate exactly as it is calculated based on unrounded numbers.
v3.22.4
Property and Equipment, net
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
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,
 20222021
Land$985 $1,011 
Buildings and improvements1,165 1,200 
Restaurant equipment192 193 
Furniture, fixtures, and other300 257 
Finance leases317 323 
Construction in progress52 30 
3,011 3,014 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(1,061)(979)
Property and equipment, net$1,950 $2,035 
Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment totaled $135 million for 2022, $148 million for 2021 and $140 million for 2020.
Included in our property and equipment, net at December 31, 2022 and 2021 are $227 million and $246 million, respectively, of assets leased under finance leases (mostly buildings and improvements), net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $90 million and $77 million, respectively.
v3.22.4
Intangible Assets, net and Goodwill
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
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,
20222021
GrossAccumulated AmortizationNetGrossAccumulated AmortizationNet
Identifiable assets subject to amortization:
   Franchise agreements$720 $(313)$407 $722 $(290)$432 
   Favorable leases90 (57)33 104 (63)41 
      Subtotal810 (370)440 826 (353)473 
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
   Tim Hortons brand
$6,293 $— $6,293 $6,695 $— $6,695 
   Burger King brand
2,088 — 2,088 2,126 — 2,126 
   Popeyes brand
1,355 — 1,355 1,355 — 1,355 
Firehouse Subs brand
815 — 815 768 — 768 
      Subtotal10,551 — 10,551 10,944 — 10,944 
Intangible assets, net$10,991 $11,417 
Goodwill
   Tim Hortons segment$4,059 $4,306 
   Burger King segment590 601 
   Popeyes segment846 846 
   Firehouse segment193 253 
      Total$5,688 $6,006 
Amortization expense on intangible assets totaled $39 million for 2022, $41 million for 2021, and $43 million for 2020. The change in the franchise agreements, brands and goodwill balances during 2022 was due to the impact of foreign currency translation and the impact of final adjustments to the preliminary allocation of consideration to the net tangible and intangible assets acquired in the Firehouse Acquisition.
As of December 31, 2022, the estimated future amortization expense on identifiable assets subject to amortization is as follows (in millions):
Twelve-months ended December 31,Amount
2023$37 
202436 
202534 
202634 
202734 
Thereafter265 
Total$440 
v3.22.4
Equity Method Investments
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]  
Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments
The aggregate carrying amount of our equity method investments was $167 million and $194 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, 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 15.2% equity interest in Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. (“Carrols”) based on the quoted market price on December 31, 2022 is approximately $13 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, 2022 is approximately $27 million. The aggregate market value of our 3.8% equity interest in TH International Limited based on the quoted market price on December 31, 2022 was approximately $16 million. We have evaluated recent declines in the market value of these equity method investments and recognized an impairment of $15 million as a result of a sustained decline in Carrols' share price and market capitalization during 2022.
We have equity interests in entities that own or franchise Tim Hortons, Burger King and Popeyes 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):

202220212020
Revenues from affiliates:
Royalties$353 $350 $239 
Advertising revenues71 67 50 
Property revenues31 32 32 
Franchise fees and other revenue18 21 14 
Sales18 10 
Total$491 $480 $338 
At December 31, 2022 and 2021, we had $42 million and $48 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 $13 million, $16 million and $8 million during 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
We recognized rent expense associated with the TIMWEN Partnership of $19 million, $18 million, and $15 million during 2022, 2021 and 2020, 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 investees and impairment charges.
v3.22.4
Other Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
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,
 20222021
Current:
Dividend payable$243 $241 
Interest payable89 63 
Accrued compensation and benefits124 99 
Taxes payable190 106 
Deferred income43 48 
Accrued advertising expenses37 43 
Restructuring and other provisions29 90 
Current portion of operating lease liabilities137 140 
Other109 117 
Other accrued liabilities$1,001 $947 
Non-current:
Taxes payable$139 $533 
Contract liabilities (see Note 15)540 531 
Derivatives liabilities34 575 
Unfavorable leases50 65 
Accrued pension40 47 
Deferred income44 37 
Other25 34 
Other liabilities, net$872 $1,822 
v3.22.4
Long-Term Debt
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consists of the following (in millions):
 As of December 31,
 20222021
Term Loan B$5,190 $5,243 
Term Loan A1,250 1,250 
3.875% First Lien Senior Notes due 2028
1,550 1,550 
3.50% First Lien Senior Notes due 2029
750 750 
5.75% First Lien Senior Notes due 2025
500 500 
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 other155 173 
Less: unamortized deferred financing costs and deferred issuance discount(111)(138)
Total debt, net12,934 12,978 
Less: current maturities of debt(95)(62)
Total long-term debt$12,839 $12,916 
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 to $1,250 million and extended the maturity date of the Term Loan A and Revolving Credit Facility 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, 2022, the interest rate on the Term Loan A was 5.44%. 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, 2022, the interest rate on the Term Loan B was 6.13%. The principal amount of the Term Loan B amortizes in quarterly installments equal to $13 million until maturity, with the balance payable at maturity.
Revolving Credit Facility
As of December 31, 2022, 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, 2022, 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 Company LLC, 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.
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 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 4.25% first lien senior notes, 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, 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 Company LLC, 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 at any time 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 at any time 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 4.25% first lien senior notes 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, 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.
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 at any time 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 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, 2022, 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, 2022, we had approximately C$203 million outstanding under the TH Facility with a weighted average interest rate of 6.07%.
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, 2022, we had approximately $2 million outstanding under the RE Facility with a weighted average interest rate of 5.97%.
Debt Issuance Costs
During 2021 and 2020, we incurred aggregate deferred financing costs of $19 million and $43 million, respectively. We did not incur any significant deferred financing costs during 2022.
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. 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.
Maturities
The aggregate maturities of our long-term debt as of December 31, 2022 are as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,Principal Amount
2023$97 
2024107 
2025741 
20266,148 
2027— 
Thereafter5,952 
Total$13,045 
Interest Expense, net
Interest expense, net consists of the following (in millions):
202220212020
Debt (a)$493 $461 $471 
Finance lease obligations19 20 20 
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount28 27 26 
Interest income(7)(3)(9)
Interest expense, net$533 $505 $508 
(a)Amount includes $56 million, $45 million and $69 million benefit during 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively, related to the quarterly net settlements of our cross-currency rate swaps and amortization of the Excluded Component as defined in Note 12, Derivative Instruments.
v3.22.4
Leases
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Leases [Abstract]  
Leases Leases
As of December 31, 2022, we leased or subleased 4,978 restaurant properties to franchisees and 147 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.
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,
 20222021
Land$880 $899 
Buildings and improvements1,129 1,180 
Restaurant equipment16 18 
2,025 2,097 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(625)(587)
Property and equipment leased, net$1,400 $1,510 
Our net investment in direct financing and sales-type leases is as follows (in millions):
 As of December 31,
 20222021
Future rents to be received:
Future minimum lease receipts$112 $113 
Contingent rents (a)
Estimated unguaranteed residual value
Unearned income(36)(40)
87 85 
Current portion included within accounts receivable(5)(5)
Net investment in property leased to franchisees$82 $80 
(a)Amounts represent estimated contingent rents recorded in connection with the acquisition method of accounting.
Property revenues are comprised primarily of rental income from operating leases and earned income on direct financing leases with franchisees as follows (in millions):
202220212020
Rental income:
Minimum lease payments$410 $455 $445 
Variable lease payments395 329 262 
Amortization of favorable and unfavorable income lease contracts, net
Subtotal - lease income from operating leases806 787 713 
Earned income on direct financing and sales-type leases
Total property revenues$813 $793 $718 

Company as Lessee
Lease cost and other information associated with these lease commitments is as follows (in millions):
Lease Cost (Income)
202220212020
Operating lease cost$202 $202 $199 
Operating lease variable lease cost196 193 177 
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets27 31 29 
Interest on lease liabilities19 20 20 
Sublease income(603)(587)(534)
Total lease cost (income)$(159)$(141)$(109)
Lease Term and Discount Rate as of December 31, 2022 and 2021
As of December 31,
20222021
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years):
Operating leases9.8 years10.1 years
Finance leases11.5 years11.4 years
Weighted-average discount rate:
Operating leases5.5 %5.5 %
Finance leases5.8 %6.0 %

Other Information for 2022, 2021 and 2020
202220212020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$198 $200 $200 
Operating cash flows from finance leases$19 $20 $20 
Financing cash flows from finance leases$31 $31 $29 
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$22 $52 $59 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease obligations$133 $133 $118 
As of December 31, 2022, 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
2023$$355 $49 $195 
2024332 48 184 
2025306 44 170 
2026276 41 153 
2027246 38 139 
Thereafter74 1,217 244 697 
Total minimum receipts / payments$112 $2,732 464 1,538 
Less amount representing interest(121)(374)
Present value of minimum lease payments343 1,164 
Current portion of lease obligations(32)(137)
Long-term portion of lease obligations$311 $1,027 
(a)Minimum lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $1,663 million due in the future under non-cancelable subleases.
Leases Leases
As of December 31, 2022, we leased or subleased 4,978 restaurant properties to franchisees and 147 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.
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,
 20222021
Land$880 $899 
Buildings and improvements1,129 1,180 
Restaurant equipment16 18 
2,025 2,097 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(625)(587)
Property and equipment leased, net$1,400 $1,510 
Our net investment in direct financing and sales-type leases is as follows (in millions):
 As of December 31,
 20222021
Future rents to be received:
Future minimum lease receipts$112 $113 
Contingent rents (a)
Estimated unguaranteed residual value
Unearned income(36)(40)
87 85 
Current portion included within accounts receivable(5)(5)
Net investment in property leased to franchisees$82 $80 
(a)Amounts represent estimated contingent rents recorded in connection with the acquisition method of accounting.
Property revenues are comprised primarily of rental income from operating leases and earned income on direct financing leases with franchisees as follows (in millions):
202220212020
Rental income:
Minimum lease payments$410 $455 $445 
Variable lease payments395 329 262 
Amortization of favorable and unfavorable income lease contracts, net
Subtotal - lease income from operating leases806 787 713 
Earned income on direct financing and sales-type leases
Total property revenues$813 $793 $718 

Company as Lessee
Lease cost and other information associated with these lease commitments is as follows (in millions):
Lease Cost (Income)
202220212020
Operating lease cost$202 $202 $199 
Operating lease variable lease cost196 193 177 
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets27 31 29 
Interest on lease liabilities19 20 20 
Sublease income(603)(587)(534)
Total lease cost (income)$(159)$(141)$(109)
Lease Term and Discount Rate as of December 31, 2022 and 2021
As of December 31,
20222021
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years):
Operating leases9.8 years10.1 years
Finance leases11.5 years11.4 years
Weighted-average discount rate:
Operating leases5.5 %5.5 %
Finance leases5.8 %6.0 %

Other Information for 2022, 2021 and 2020
202220212020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$198 $200 $200 
Operating cash flows from finance leases$19 $20 $20 
Financing cash flows from finance leases$31 $31 $29 
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$22 $52 $59 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease obligations$133 $133 $118 
As of December 31, 2022, 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
2023$$355 $49 $195 
2024332 48 184 
2025306 44 170 
2026276 41 153 
2027246 38 139 
Thereafter74 1,217 244 697 
Total minimum receipts / payments$112 $2,732 464 1,538 
Less amount representing interest(121)(374)
Present value of minimum lease payments343 1,164 
Current portion of lease obligations(32)(137)
Long-term portion of lease obligations$311 $1,027 
(a)Minimum lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $1,663 million due in the future under non-cancelable subleases.
Leases Leases
As of December 31, 2022, we leased or subleased 4,978 restaurant properties to franchisees and 147 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.
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,
 20222021
Land$880 $899 
Buildings and improvements1,129 1,180 
Restaurant equipment16 18 
2,025 2,097 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(625)(587)
Property and equipment leased, net$1,400 $1,510 
Our net investment in direct financing and sales-type leases is as follows (in millions):
 As of December 31,
 20222021
Future rents to be received:
Future minimum lease receipts$112 $113 
Contingent rents (a)
Estimated unguaranteed residual value
Unearned income(36)(40)
87 85 
Current portion included within accounts receivable(5)(5)
Net investment in property leased to franchisees$82 $80 
(a)Amounts represent estimated contingent rents recorded in connection with the acquisition method of accounting.
Property revenues are comprised primarily of rental income from operating leases and earned income on direct financing leases with franchisees as follows (in millions):
202220212020
Rental income:
Minimum lease payments$410 $455 $445 
Variable lease payments395 329 262 
Amortization of favorable and unfavorable income lease contracts, net
Subtotal - lease income from operating leases806 787 713 
Earned income on direct financing and sales-type leases
Total property revenues$813 $793 $718 

Company as Lessee
Lease cost and other information associated with these lease commitments is as follows (in millions):
Lease Cost (Income)
202220212020
Operating lease cost$202 $202 $199 
Operating lease variable lease cost196 193 177 
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets27 31 29 
Interest on lease liabilities19 20 20 
Sublease income(603)(587)(534)
Total lease cost (income)$(159)$(141)$(109)
Lease Term and Discount Rate as of December 31, 2022 and 2021
As of December 31,
20222021
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years):
Operating leases9.8 years10.1 years
Finance leases11.5 years11.4 years
Weighted-average discount rate:
Operating leases5.5 %5.5 %
Finance leases5.8 %6.0 %

Other Information for 2022, 2021 and 2020
202220212020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$198 $200 $200 
Operating cash flows from finance leases$19 $20 $20 
Financing cash flows from finance leases$31 $31 $29 
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$22 $52 $59 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease obligations$133 $133 $118 
As of December 31, 2022, 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
2023$$355 $49 $195 
2024332 48 184 
2025306 44 170 
2026276 41 153 
2027246 38 139 
Thereafter74 1,217 244 697 
Total minimum receipts / payments$112 $2,732 464 1,538 
Less amount representing interest(121)(374)
Present value of minimum lease payments343 1,164 
Current portion of lease obligations(32)(137)
Long-term portion of lease obligations$311 $1,027 
(a)Minimum lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $1,663 million due in the future under non-cancelable subleases.
Leases Leases
As of December 31, 2022, we leased or subleased 4,978 restaurant properties to franchisees and 147 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.
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,
 20222021
Land$880 $899 
Buildings and improvements1,129 1,180 
Restaurant equipment16 18 
2,025 2,097 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(625)(587)
Property and equipment leased, net$1,400 $1,510 
Our net investment in direct financing and sales-type leases is as follows (in millions):
 As of December 31,
 20222021
Future rents to be received:
Future minimum lease receipts$112 $113 
Contingent rents (a)
Estimated unguaranteed residual value
Unearned income(36)(40)
87 85 
Current portion included within accounts receivable(5)(5)
Net investment in property leased to franchisees$82 $80 
(a)Amounts represent estimated contingent rents recorded in connection with the acquisition method of accounting.
Property revenues are comprised primarily of rental income from operating leases and earned income on direct financing leases with franchisees as follows (in millions):
202220212020
Rental income:
Minimum lease payments$410 $455 $445 
Variable lease payments395 329 262 
Amortization of favorable and unfavorable income lease contracts, net
Subtotal - lease income from operating leases806 787 713 
Earned income on direct financing and sales-type leases
Total property revenues$813 $793 $718 

Company as Lessee
Lease cost and other information associated with these lease commitments is as follows (in millions):
Lease Cost (Income)
202220212020
Operating lease cost$202 $202 $199 
Operating lease variable lease cost196 193 177 
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets27 31 29 
Interest on lease liabilities19 20 20 
Sublease income(603)(587)(534)
Total lease cost (income)$(159)$(141)$(109)
Lease Term and Discount Rate as of December 31, 2022 and 2021
As of December 31,
20222021
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years):
Operating leases9.8 years10.1 years
Finance leases11.5 years11.4 years
Weighted-average discount rate:
Operating leases5.5 %5.5 %
Finance leases5.8 %6.0 %

Other Information for 2022, 2021 and 2020
202220212020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$198 $200 $200 
Operating cash flows from finance leases$19 $20 $20 
Financing cash flows from finance leases$31 $31 $29 
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$22 $52 $59 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease obligations$133 $133 $118 
As of December 31, 2022, 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
2023$$355 $49 $195 
2024332 48 184 
2025306 44 170 
2026276 41 153 
2027246 38 139 
Thereafter74 1,217 244 697 
Total minimum receipts / payments$112 $2,732 464 1,538 
Less amount representing interest(121)(374)
Present value of minimum lease payments343 1,164 
Current portion of lease obligations(32)(137)
Long-term portion of lease obligations$311 $1,027 
(a)Minimum lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $1,663 million due in the future under non-cancelable subleases.
v3.22.4
Income Taxes
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes Income Taxes
Income before income taxes, classified by source of income, is as follows (in millions):
202220212020
Canadian$444 $457 $200 
Foreign921 906 616 
Income before income taxes$1,365 $1,363 $816 

Income tax (benefit) expense attributable to income from continuing operations consists of the following (in millions):
202220212020
Current:
Canadian$(284)$16 $45 
U.S. Federal105 (10)125 
U.S. state, net of federal income tax benefit26 25 26 
Other Foreign96 84 78 
$(57)$115 $274 
Deferred:
Canadian$20 $32 $(67)
U.S. Federal(79)(37)(82)
U.S. state, net of federal income tax benefit(9)(7)(27)
Other Foreign(32)
$(60)$(5)$(208)
Income tax expense (benefit)$(117)$110 $66 
The statutory rate reconciles to the effective income tax rate as follows:

202220212020
Statutory rate26.5 %26.5 %26.5 %
Costs and taxes related to foreign operations3.8 3.5 9.6 
Foreign exchange gain (loss)— — 0.5 
Foreign tax rate differential(13.7)(13.9)(15.6)
Change in valuation allowance(0.7)1.1 1.2 
Change in accrual for tax uncertainties(26.7)(7.4)3.9 
Intercompany financing1.2 (3.5)(6.1)
Impact of Tax Act— — (7.8)
Swiss Tax Reform— — (5.1)
Benefit from stock option exercises(0.1)(0.8)(0.3)
Litigation settlements and reserves— 1.4 — 
Other1.1 1.2 1.2 
Effective income tax rate(8.6)%8.1 %8.0 %
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. In 2020, a deferred tax asset was recorded due to an election made under TRAF by one of our Swiss subsidiaries. The amounts impacting income tax expense for the effects of the changes from the TRAF was approximately $41 million in 2020, which decreased our 2020 effective tax rate by approximately 5.1%.
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):

202220212020
Income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations$(117)$110 $66 
Cash flow hedge in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)153 72 (64)
Net investment hedge in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)77 (15)(60)
Foreign Currency Translation in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)— (4)12 
Pension liability in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(3)
Total$115 $166 $(49)
The significant components of deferred income tax (benefit) expense attributable to income from continuing operations are as follows (in millions):

202220212020
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)$79 $(22)$(230)
Change in valuation allowance(143)14 22 
Change in effective U.S. state income tax rate
Change in effective foreign income tax rate— (1)
Total$(60)$(5)$(208)
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,
 20222021
Deferred tax assets:
Accounts and notes receivable$$
Accrued employee benefits56 48 
Leases105 115 
Operating lease liabilities304 317 
Liabilities not currently deductible for tax403 346 
Tax loss and credit carryforwards316 517 
Derivatives— 164 
Other(1)
Total gross deferred tax assets1,201 1,510 
Valuation allowance(194)(356)
Net deferred tax assets1,007 1,154 
Less deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation15 15 
Intangible assets1,707 1,751 
Leases125 129 
Operating lease assets281 295 
Statutory impairment27 29 
Derivatives65 — 
Outside basis difference13 38 
Total gross deferred tax liabilities2,233 2,257 
Net deferred tax liability$1,226 $1,103 
The valuation allowance had a net decrease of $162 million during 2022 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):

202220212020
Beginning balance$356 $364 $329 
Change in estimates recorded to deferred income tax expense(9)14 19 
Changes in losses and credits(134)— 
(Reductions) additions related to other comprehensive income(19)(22)13 
Ending balance$194 $356 $364 

The gross amount and expiration dates of operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards as of December 31, 2022 are as follows (in millions):

AmountExpiration Date
Canadian net operating loss carryforwards$521 2036-2042
Canadian capital loss carryforwards153 Indefinite
Canadian tax credits2023-2041
U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards546 2023-2042
U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards19 Indefinite
U.S. capital loss carryforwards16 2040
U.S. foreign tax credits69 2023-2031
Other foreign net operating loss carryforwards249 Indefinite
Other foreign net operating loss carryforwards41 2023-2038
Other foreign capital loss carryforward27 Indefinite
Total$1,645 
We are generally permanently reinvested on any potential outside basis differences except for unremitted earnings 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 had $139 million and $437 million of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, 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):

202220212020
Beginning balance$437 $497 $506 
Additions for tax positions related to the current year(5)
Additions for tax positions of prior years23 
Reductions for tax positions of prior years(15)(5)(25)
Additions for settlement— — 
Reductions due to statute expiration(281)(94)— 
Ending balance$139 $437 $497 
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, 2023, it is reasonably possible we will reduce unrecognized tax benefits by up to approximately $48 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 $27 million and $121 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Potential interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions in various jurisdictions recognized was $3 million during 2022, $2 million during 2021 and $31 million during 2020. 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 2016 through 2018 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 and assessment 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. Taxable years of such U.S. companies are closed through 2018 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.
v3.22.4
Derivative Instruments
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
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, 2022, 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, 2022, 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, net of tax, and reclassified into interest expense during the period in which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The net amount of pre-tax gains in connection with these net unrealized gains in AOCI as of December 31, 2022 that we expect to be reclassified into interest expense within the next 12 months is $86 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, 2022, 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, 2022, we had outstanding cross-currency rate swaps that we entered into during 2022 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 in which we receive quarterly fixed-rate interest payments on the U.S. dollar notional amount of $5,000 million through the maturity date of September 30, 2028.
During 2022, we de-designated existing cross-currency rate swap hedges between the Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar with a total notional amount of $5,000 million for hedge accounting. As a result of these de-designations, changes in fair value of these un-designated hedges were recognized in earnings. Concurrently with these de-designations and to offset the changes in fair value recognized in earnings, we entered into off-setting cross-currency rate swaps, with a total notional amount of $5,000 million, that were not designated as a hedge for hedge accounting and as such changes in fair value were recognized in earnings. The balances in AOCI associated with the de-designated cross-currency rate swaps will remain in AOCI and will only be reclassified into earnings if and when the net investment in our Canadian subsidiaries is sold or substantially sold. The entire notional amount of the de-designated cross-currency rate swaps and the off-setting cross-currency rate swaps were cash settled during 2022 for approximately $35 million in net proceeds and included within operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
At December 31, 2022, 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, 2022, 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, 2022, 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 $197 million with maturities to February 2024. 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)
 202220212020
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges(1)
Interest rate swaps$509 $132 $(333)
Forward-currency contracts$14 $— $(2)
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges
Cross-currency rate swaps$409 $96 $(302)
(1) We did not exclude any components from the cash flow hedge relationships presented in this table.
Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into EarningsGain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into
Earnings
 202220212020
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Interest rate swapsInterest expense, net$(54)$(125)$(102)
Forward-currency contractsCost of sales$$(7)$
 Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in EarningsGain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings (Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
 202220212020
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges
Cross-currency rate swapsInterest expense, net$56 $45 $69 
 Fair Value as of
December 31,
 
 20222021Balance Sheet Location
Assets:
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Interest rate$280 $— Other assets, net
Foreign currencyPrepaids and other current assets
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges
Foreign currency78 23 Other assets, net
Total assets at fair value$365 $25 
Liabilities:
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Interest rate$— $220 Other liabilities, net
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges
Foreign currency34 355 Other liabilities, net
Total liabilities at fair value$34 $575 
v3.22.4
Shareholders' Equity
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
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 31.8% and 31.9% in Partnership common equity through the ownership of 142,996,640 and 144,993,458 Partnership exchangeable units as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, 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. 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 2022, Partnership exchanged 1,996,818 Partnership exchangeable units, pursuant to exchange notices received. In accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement, Partnership satisfied the exchange notices by exchanging 1,996,818 Partnership exchangeable units for the same number of newly issued RBI common shares. 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. 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 2022, we repurchased and cancelled 6,101,364 common shares for $326 million and during 2021 we repurchased and cancelled 9,247,648 common shares for $551 million and as of December 31, 2022 had $123 million remaining under the authorization.
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, 2019$199 $(19)$(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, 2021136 (21)(825)(710)
Foreign currency translation adjustment— — (703)(703)
Net change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax714 — — 714 
Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax34 — — 34 
Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax— — 
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests(236)(2)218 (20)
Balances at December 31, 2022$648 $(17)$(1,310)$(679)
v3.22.4
Share-based Compensation
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
Share-based Compensation Share-based Compensation
Our Amended and Restated 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan as amended (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, 2022 was 3,714,406. 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, S&P 500 Index and/or individual performance based-vesting conditions. Under the terms of the Omnibus Plan, RSUs are generally entitled to dividend equivalents, which 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.
Share-based compensation expense is generally classified as general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and consists of the following for the periods presented (in millions):
202220212020
Total share-based compensation expense - RSUs and Stock options$121 $88 $74 
As of December 31, 2022, total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation arrangements was $312 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 3.1 years.
Restricted Stock Units
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. 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, grants of 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”). Time-vested RSUs and performance-based RSUs awarded prior to 2021 generally cliff vest five years from the original grant date.
During 2022, the Company granted performance-based RSUs that cliff vest three years from the original grant date based on achievement of performance metrics with a multiplier that can increase or decrease the amount vested based on the achievement of contractually defined relative total shareholder return targets with respect to the S&P 500 Index. Performance-based RSUs granted in 2021 cliff vest three years from the original grant date based solely on defined relative total shareholder return targets with respect to the S&P 500 Index. The respective fair value of these performance-based RSU awards was based on a Monte Carlo Simulation valuation model and these market condition awards are expensed over the vesting period regardless of the value that the award recipients ultimately receive.
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 at least two years after the grant 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.
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 anniversary after the grant date. Also, 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.
An alternate ratable vesting schedule applies to the extent the participant ends employment by reason of death or disability.
Chairman Awards
In connection with the appointment of the Executive Chairman in November 2022, the Company made one-time grants of options, RSUs and performance-based RSUs with specific terms and conditions. The Company granted 2,000,000 options with an exercise price equal to the closing price of RBI common shares on the trading day preceding the date of grant that cliff vest five years from the date of grant and expire after ten years. The Company granted 500,000 RSUs that vest ratably over five years on the anniversary of the grant date. Lastly, the Company granted 750,000 performance-based RSUs that cliff vest five and a half years from the date of grant and may be earned from 50% for threshold performance to 200% for maximum performance, based on meeting performance targets tied to the appreciation of the price of RBI common shares, with none of the award being earned if the threshold is not met. The respective fair value of these performance-based RSU awards was based on a Monte Carlo Simulation valuation model and these market condition awards are expensed over the vesting period regardless of the value that the award recipient ultimately receives.
Restricted Stock Units Activity
The following is a summary of time-vested RSUs and performance-based RSUs activity for the year ended December 31, 2022:
 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, 20222,764 $57.47 3,895 $62.09 
Granted1,722 $57.24 2,693 $51.31 
Vested and settled(852)$56.00 (153)$58.31 
Dividend equivalents granted103 $— 160 $— 
Forfeited(184)$58.66 (158)$64.78 
Outstanding at December 31, 20223,553 $57.31 6,437 $57.43 

The weighted-average grant date fair value of time-vested RSUs granted was $60.97 and $65.20 during 2021 and 2020, respectively. The weighted-average grant date fair value of performance-based RSUs granted was $57.60 and $62.69 during 2021 and 2020, respectively. The total fair value, determined as of the date of vesting, of RSUs vested and converted to common shares of the Company during 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $58 million, $99 million and $21 million, respectively.
Stock Options
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.
The following assumptions were used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of stock option awards granted in 2022 and 2020 at the grant date. There were no significant stock option awards granted in 2021.
20222020
Risk-free interest rate3.92%1.29%
Expected term (in years)7.505.88
Expected volatility30.0%23.9%
Expected dividend yield3.24%3.14%
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. The expected dividend yield is based on the annual dividend yield at the time of grant.
Stock Options Activity
The following is a summary of stock option activity under our plans for the year ended December 31, 2022:
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, 20226,207 $54.80 
Granted2,018 $66.62 
Exercised(484)$43.42 
Forfeited(247)$64.83 
Outstanding at December 31, 20227,494 $58.00 $55,682 6.1
Exercisable at December 31, 20222,724 $46.72 $48,953 3.0
Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 20227,125 $57.75 $54,835 6.0

(a)The intrinsic value represents the amount by which the fair value of our stock exceeds the option exercise price at December 31, 2022.
The weighted-average grant date fair value per stock option granted was $17.52, $10.15, and $10.38 during 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $10 million during 2022, $46 million during 2021, and $55 million during 2020.
v3.22.4
Revenue Recognition
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
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 may recognize unamortized franchise fees and upfront fees when a contract with a franchisee or master franchisee is modified and is accounted for as a termination of the existing contract. We classify these contract liabilities as Other liabilities, net in our consolidated balance sheets. The following table reflects the change in contract liabilities on a consolidated basis between December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022 (in millions):
Contract Liabilities
Balance at December 31, 2021$531 
Effect of business combination
Recognized during period and included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the year(57)
Increase, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period71 
Impact of foreign currency translation(13)
Balance at December 31, 2022$540 
The following table illustrates estimated revenues expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) on a consolidated basis as of December 31, 2022 (in millions):
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in
2023$52 
202450 
202547 
202644 
202742 
Thereafter305 
Total$540 
Disaggregation of Total Revenues
The following tables disaggregate revenue by segment (in millions):
2022
THBKPLKFHSTotal
Sales$2,631 $70 $78 $40 $2,819 
Royalties320 1,064 287 66 1,737 
Property revenues577 224 12 — 813 
Franchise fees and other revenue28 54 10 19 111 
Advertising revenues and other services267 485 260 13 1,025 
Total revenues$3,823 $1,897 $647 $138 $6,505 
2021
THBKPLKFHSTotal
Sales$2,249 $64 $64 $$2,378 
Royalties287 1,008 264 1,561 
Property revenues556 224 13 — 793 
Franchise fees and other revenue21 60 89 
Advertising revenues and other services229 457 232 — 918 
Total revenues$3,342 $1,813 $579 $$5,739 
2020
THBKPLKFHSTotal
Sales$1,876 $64 $73 $— $2,013 
Royalties240 842 245 — 1,327 
Property revenues486 219 13 — 718 
Franchise fees and other revenue19 52 — 76 
Advertising revenues and other services189 425 220 — 834 
Total revenues$2,810 $1,602 $556 $— $4,968 
v3.22.4
Other Operating Expenses (Income), net
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
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):
202220212020
Net losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings$$$
Litigation settlements and reserves, net11 81 
Net losses (gains) on foreign exchange(4)(76)100 
Other, net14 — (8)
Other operating expenses (income), net$25 $$105 
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 paid approximately $100 million in 2022, of which $5 million and $72 million was recorded as Litigation settlements and reserves, net in 2022 and 2021, respectively. The majority of this amount related to Popeyes, resolved our disputes, and allowed us to move forward in the market with a new master franchisee. Additionally, pursuant to this agreement we and our partners have made equity contributions to the Burger King business in China.
Net losses (gains) on foreign exchange is primarily related to revaluation of foreign denominated assets and liabilities, primarily those denominated in Euros and Canadian dollars.
v3.22.4
Commitments and Contingencies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies
Letters of Credit
As of December 31, 2022, we had $11 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, 2022, 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 $23 million over the next two years, some of which have early termination fees. We also enter into commitments to purchase advertising. As of December 31, 2022, these commitments totaled $212 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 Company, successor in interest, (“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 Munster, 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. In August 2022, the federal appellate court reversed the lower court's decision to dismiss the case and remanded the case to the lower court for further proceedings. 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.
On June 30, 2020, a class action complaint was filed against RBI, 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 RBI, 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 RBI 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 RBI, Partnership, The TDL Group Corp., BKW 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 alleged 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 sought injunctive relief and monetary damages for himself or herself and other members of the class. The parties have reached a national settlement of all cases, which has been approved by the applicable courts, pursuant to which The TDL Group Corp. is providing each member of the class a voucher for one hot beverage and one baked good and will pay plaintiffs legal fees, in an amount which we believe is immaterial.
On October 26, 2020, City of Warwick Municipal Employees Pension Fund, a purported stockholder of RBI, 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 was heard in April 2022 and the motion to dismiss was denied in May 2022. On June 6, 2022, we filed an answer to the complaint and on July 8, 2022, we filed an appeal of the denial of the motion to dismiss. On November 10, 2022, the appellate division reversed the trial court and ordered that the complaint be dismissed. Plaintiffs have moved for leave to appeal to the Court of Appeals of the State of New York and we filed an opposition to their motion. The parties are awaiting a decision as to whether the Court of Appeals will accept the appeal. 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.
In April 2022, BKC was served with two separate purported class action complaints relating to per- and polyfluoroalkyl (“PFAS”) in packaging. Hussain vs. BKC was filed on April 13, 2022 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, and Cooper v. BKC was filed on April 14, 2022 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Both complaints alleged that certain food products sold by BKC are not safe for human consumption due to the packaging containing allegedly unsafe PFAS and that consumers were misled by the labelling, marketing and packaging claims asserted by BKC regarding the safety and sustainability of the packaging and sought compensatory, statutory and punitive damages, injunctive relief, corrective action, and attorneys’ fees. Hussain voluntarily dismissed the case on August 22, 2022. In June 2022, Cooper voluntarily dismissed the case and then refiled their complaint in state court only on behalf of Florida consumers. We filed a motion to dismiss on October 17, 2022. The plaintiff dismissed the case with prejudice in November 2022 and these matters are closed.
v3.22.4
Segment Reporting and Geographical Information
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Segment Reporting and Geographical Information Segment Reporting and Geographical InformationAs 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) sales, consisting primarily of supply chain sales, which represent sales of products, supplies and restaurant equipment to franchisees, as well as sales to retailers and sales at restaurants owned by us (“Company restaurants”); (ii) franchise revenues, consisting primarily of royalties based on a percentage of sales reported by franchise restaurants and franchise fees paid by franchisees; (iii) property revenues from properties we lease or sublease to franchisees; and (iv) advertising revenues and other
services, consisting primarily of advertising fund contributions based on a percentage of sales reported by franchise restaurants. 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):
202220212020
Revenues by operating segment:
TH$3,823 $3,342 $2,810 
BK1,897 1,813 1,602 
PLK647 579 556 
FHS138 — 
Total$6,505 $5,739 $4,968 
Revenues by country (a):
Canada$3,458 $3,035 $2,546 
United States2,273 2,005 1,889 
Other774 699 533 
Total$6,505 $5,739 $4,968 
Depreciation and amortization:
TH$114 $132 $119 
BK66 62 62 
PLK
FHS— — 
Total$190 $201 $189 
(Income) loss from equity method investments:
TH$(8)$(13)$(4)
BK51 17 43 
PLK— — 
Total$44 $$39 
Capital expenditures:
TH$30 $61 $92 
BK63 34 18 
PLK11 
FHS— — 
Total$100 $106 $117 
(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,
 2022202120222021
By operating segment:
TH$13,279 $13,995 $1,819 $1,963 
BK5,007 4,946 1,140 1,137 
PLK2,572 2,563 143 141 
FHS1,098 1,103 12 
Unallocated790 639 — — 
Total$22,746 $23,246 $3,114 $3,245 
By country:
Canada$1,531 $1,670 
United States1,558 1,556 
Other25 19 
Total$3,114 $3,245 
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, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
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, income/expenses from non-recurring projects and non-operating activities included (i) non-recurring fees and expense incurred in connection with the Firehouse Acquisition consisting of professional fees, compensation-related expenses and integration costs (“FHS Transaction costs”); and (ii) non-operating 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”).
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):
202220212020
Segment income:
TH$1,073 $997 $823 
BK1,007 1,021 823 
PLK242 228 218 
FHS56 — 
Adjusted EBITDA2,378 2,248 1,864 
Share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense136 102 84 
FHS Transaction costs24 18 — 
Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees46 16 16 
Impact of equity method investments (a)59 25 48 
Other operating expenses (income), net25 105 
EBITDA2,088 2,080 1,611 
Depreciation and amortization190 201 189 
Income from operations1,898 1,879 1,422 
Interest expense, net533 505 508 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt— 11 98 
Income tax (benefit) expense(117)110 66 
Net income$1,482 $1,253 $750 
(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.
v3.22.4
Subsequent Events
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Subsequent Events [Abstract]  
Subsequent Events Subsequent Events
Dividends
On January 4, 2023, we paid a cash dividend of $0.54 per common share to common shareholders of record on December 21, 2022. On such date, Partnership also made a distribution in respect of each Partnership exchangeable unit in the amount of $0.54 per exchangeable unit to holders of record on December 21, 2022.
On February 14, 2023, we announced that the board of directors had declared a cash dividend of $0.55 per common share for the first quarter of 2023. The dividend will be paid on April 5, 2023 to common shareholders of record on March 22, 2023. Partnership will also make a distribution in respect of each Partnership exchangeable unit in the amount of $0.55 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.
v3.22.4
Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Fiscal Year Fiscal YearWe operate on a monthly calendar, with a fiscal year that ends on December 31.
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. We also consolidate marketing funds we control. 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, 2022 and 2021, we determined that we are the primary beneficiary of 41 and 46 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 ReclassificationsCertain 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 2021 reclassification of $9 million of technology fee revenues from Franchise and property revenues to Advertising revenues and other services and $24 million of technology expenses from General and administrative expenses to Advertising expenses and other services. 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.
Accounts and Notes Receivable, net
Accounts and Notes Receivable, net
Our credit loss exposure is mainly concentrated in our accounts and notes receivable portfolio, which consists primarily of amounts due from franchisees, including royalties, rents, franchise fees, contributions due to advertising funds we manage and, in the case of our TH segment, amounts due for supply chain sales. Accounts and notes receivable are reported net of an allowance for expected credit losses over the estimated life of the receivable. Credit losses are estimated based on aging, historical collection experience, financial position of the franchisee and other factors, including those related to current economic conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future conditions.
Bad debt expense recognized for expected credit losses is classified in our consolidated statement of operations as Cost of sales, Franchise and property expenses or Advertising expenses and other services, based on the nature of the underlying receivable. Net bad debt expense (recoveries) totaled $19 million in 2022, $(9) million in 2021 and $33 million in 2020.
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.
Capitalized Software and Cloud Computing Costs
We record capitalized software at historical cost less accumulated amortization, which is recognized using the straight-line method. Amortization expense is based on the estimated useful life of the software, which is primarily up to five years, once the asset is available for its intended use.
Implementation costs incurred in connection with Cloud Computing Arrangements (“CCA”) are capitalized consistently with costs capitalized for internal-use software. Capitalized CCA implementation costs are included in “Other assets” in the consolidated balance sheets and are amortized over the term of the related hosting agreement, including renewal periods that are reasonably certain to be exercised. Amortization expense of CCA implementation costs is classified as “General and administrative expenses” in the consolidated statements of operations.
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 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 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. Derivative instruments accounted for as net investments hedges are classified as long term assets and liabilities 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 and property revenues
Franchise revenues consist primarily of royalties, 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, (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. These services are highly interrelated and dependent upon the franchise license and we concluded these services do not represent individually distinct performance obligations. Consequently, we bundle the franchise license performance obligation and promises to provide these services into a single performance obligation (the “Franchise PO”), which we satisfy by providing a right to use our intellectual property over the term of each franchise agreement.
Royalties are calculated as a percentage of franchise restaurant sales over the term of the franchise agreement. 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 represent sales-based royalties that are related entirely to the Franchise PO and are recognized as franchise sales occur. 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.
Advertising revenues and other services
Advertising revenues consist primarily of franchisee contributions to advertising funds in those markets where our subsidiaries manage an advertising fund and 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. We determined our advertising and promotion management services do not represent individually distinct performance obligations and are included in the Franchise PO.
Other services revenues consist primarily of fees from digital sales that partially offset expenses related to technology initiatives. These services are distinct from the Franchise PO because they are not dependent upon the franchise license or highly interrelated with the franchise license.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales consists primarily of costs associated with the management of our TH supply chain, including cost of goods, direct labor, depreciation and bad debt expense (recoveries) from supply chain sales. Cost of sales also includes food, paper and labor costs of Company restaurants.
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.In certain instances, we provide incentives to franchisees in connection with restaurant renovations or other initiatives. These incentives may consist of cash consideration or non-cash consideration such as restaurant equipment. In general, these incentives are designed to support system-wide sales growth to increase our future revenues. The costs of these incentives are capitalized and amortized as a reduction in franchise and property revenue over the term of the contract to which the incentive relates.
Franchise and Property Expenses
Franchise and Property Expenses
Franchise and property expenses consist primarily of depreciation of properties leased to franchisees, rental expense associated with properties subleased to franchisees, amortization of franchise agreements, and bad debt expense (recoveries) from franchise and property revenues.
Advertising Expenses and Other Services
Advertising Expenses and Other Services
Advertising expenses and other services consist primarily of expenses relating to marketing, advertising and promotion, including market research, production, advertising costs, sales promotions, social media campaigns, technology initiatives, bad debt expense (recoveries) from franchisee contributions to advertising funds we manage, depreciation and amortization and other related support functions for the respective brands. Additionally, we may incur discretionary expenses to fund advertising programs in connection with periodic initiatives.
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. Consolidated advertising expense totaled $1,032 million, $962 million and $870 million in 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
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 (“RSUs”) is generally based on the closing price of RBI's common shares on the trading day preceding the date of grant. Our total shareholder return and 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
Accounting Relief for the Transition Away from LIBOR and Certain other Reference Rates – In March 2020 and as clarified in January 2021 and December 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“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, 2024. 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, 2024, except for hedging relationships existing as of December 31, 2024, 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. The adoption of this new guidance during the first quarter of 2022 did not have a material impact on our Financial Statements.
Liabilities—Supplier Finance Programs – In September 2022, the FASB issued guidance that requires buyers in a supplier finance program to disclose sufficient information about the program to allow investors to understand the program's nature, activity during the period, changes from period to period, and potential magnitude. These disclosures would include the key terms of the program, as well as the obligation amount that the buyer has confirmed as valid to the third party that is outstanding at the end of the reporting period, a rollforward of that amount, and a description of where that amount is presented in the balance sheet. This amendment is effective in 2023, except for the amendment on rollforward information which is effective in 2024, with early adoption permitted. This guidance should be applied retrospectively to each period in which a balance sheet is presented, except for the amendment on rollforward information, which should be applied prospectively. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this new guidance will have on our Financial Statements and will add necessary disclosures upon adoption.
v3.22.4
Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
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,
20222021
Fair value of our variable term debt and senior notes$11,885 $12,851 
Principal carrying amount of our variable term debt and senior notes12,890 12,943 
v3.22.4
Firehouse Acquisition (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]  
Schedule of Preliminary Allocation of Consideration to Net Tangible and Intangible Assets Acquired The final 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
816 
Franchise agreements19 
Operating lease assets
Total liabilities(48)
Total identifiable net assets821 
Goodwill195 
Total consideration$1,016 
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition
The adjustments to the preliminary estimate of net assets acquired and a decrease in total consideration resulted in a corresponding decrease in estimated goodwill due to the following changes to preliminary estimates of fair values and allocation of purchase price (in millions):
Increase (Decrease) in Goodwill
Change in:
Operating lease assets$(9)
Firehouse Subs brand
(48)
Franchise agreements(19)
Total liabilities35 
Total consideration(17)
   Total decrease in goodwill$(58)
v3.22.4
Earnings per Share (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
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):
202220212020
Numerator:
Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic$1,008 $838 $486 
Add: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests471 411 262 
Net income available to common shareholders and noncontrolling interests - diluted$1,479 $1,249 $748 
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares - basic307 310 302 
Exchange of noncontrolling interests for common shares (Note 12)144 151 162 
Effect of other dilutive securities
Weighted average common shares - diluted455 464 468 
Basic earnings per share (a)$3.28 $2.71 $1.61 
Diluted earnings per share (a)$3.25 $2.69 $1.60 
Anti-dilutive securities outstanding
(a)Earnings per share may not recalculate exactly as it is calculated based on unrounded numbers.
v3.22.4
Property and Equipment, net (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
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,
 20222021
Land$985 $1,011 
Buildings and improvements1,165 1,200 
Restaurant equipment192 193 
Furniture, fixtures, and other300 257 
Finance leases317 323 
Construction in progress52 30 
3,011 3,014 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(1,061)(979)
Property and equipment, net$1,950 $2,035 
v3.22.4
Intangible Assets, net and Goodwill (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
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,
20222021
GrossAccumulated AmortizationNetGrossAccumulated AmortizationNet
Identifiable assets subject to amortization:
   Franchise agreements$720 $(313)$407 $722 $(290)$432 
   Favorable leases90 (57)33 104 (63)41 
      Subtotal810 (370)440 826 (353)473 
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
   Tim Hortons brand
$6,293 $— $6,293 $6,695 $— $6,695 
   Burger King brand
2,088 — 2,088 2,126 — 2,126 
   Popeyes brand
1,355 — 1,355 1,355 — 1,355 
Firehouse Subs brand
815 — 815 768 — 768 
      Subtotal10,551 — 10,551 10,944 — 10,944 
Intangible assets, net$10,991 $11,417 
Goodwill
   Tim Hortons segment$4,059 $4,306 
   Burger King segment590 601 
   Popeyes segment846 846 
   Firehouse segment193 253 
      Total$5,688 $6,006 
Schedule of Estimated Future Amortization Expenses on Intangible Assets
As of December 31, 2022, the estimated future amortization expense on identifiable assets subject to amortization is as follows (in millions):
Twelve-months ended December 31,Amount
2023$37 
202436 
202534 
202634 
202734 
Thereafter265 
Total$440 
v3.22.4
Equity Method Investments (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
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):
202220212020
Revenues from affiliates:
Royalties$353 $350 $239 
Advertising revenues71 67 50 
Property revenues31 32 32 
Franchise fees and other revenue18 21 14 
Sales18 10 
Total$491 $480 $338 
v3.22.4
Other Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
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,
 20222021
Current:
Dividend payable$243 $241 
Interest payable89 63 
Accrued compensation and benefits124 99 
Taxes payable190 106 
Deferred income43 48 
Accrued advertising expenses37 43 
Restructuring and other provisions29 90 
Current portion of operating lease liabilities137 140 
Other109 117 
Other accrued liabilities$1,001 $947 
Non-current:
Taxes payable$139 $533 
Contract liabilities (see Note 15)540 531 
Derivatives liabilities34 575 
Unfavorable leases50 65 
Accrued pension40 47 
Deferred income44 37 
Other25 34 
Other liabilities, net$872 $1,822 
v3.22.4
Long-Term Debt (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consists of the following (in millions):
 As of December 31,
 20222021
Term Loan B$5,190 $5,243 
Term Loan A1,250 1,250 
3.875% First Lien Senior Notes due 2028
1,550 1,550 
3.50% First Lien Senior Notes due 2029
750 750 
5.75% First Lien Senior Notes due 2025
500 500 
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 other155 173 
Less: unamortized deferred financing costs and deferred issuance discount(111)(138)
Total debt, net12,934 12,978 
Less: current maturities of debt(95)(62)
Total long-term debt$12,839 $12,916 
Schedule of Aggregate Maturities of Long-Term Debt
The aggregate maturities of our long-term debt as of December 31, 2022 are as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,Principal Amount
2023$97 
2024107 
2025741 
20266,148 
2027— 
Thereafter5,952 
Total$13,045 
Schedule of Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net consists of the following (in millions):
202220212020
Debt (a)$493 $461 $471 
Finance lease obligations19 20 20 
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount28 27 26 
Interest income(7)(3)(9)
Interest expense, net$533 $505 $508 
(a)Amount includes $56 million, $45 million and $69 million benefit during 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively, related to the quarterly net settlements of our cross-currency rate swaps and amortization of the Excluded Component as defined in Note 12, Derivative Instruments.
v3.22.4
Leases (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
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,
 20222021
Land$880 $899 
Buildings and improvements1,129 1,180 
Restaurant equipment16 18 
2,025 2,097 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(625)(587)
Property and equipment leased, net$1,400 $1,510 
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,
 20222021
Future rents to be received:
Future minimum lease receipts$112 $113 
Contingent rents (a)
Estimated unguaranteed residual value
Unearned income(36)(40)
87 85 
Current portion included within accounts receivable(5)(5)
Net investment in property leased to franchisees$82 $80 
(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):
202220212020
Rental income:
Minimum lease payments$410 $455 $445 
Variable lease payments395 329 262 
Amortization of favorable and unfavorable income lease contracts, net
Subtotal - lease income from operating leases806 787 713 
Earned income on direct financing and sales-type leases
Total property revenues$813 $793 $718 
Schedule of Lease Cost
Lease cost and other information associated with these lease commitments is as follows (in millions):
Lease Cost (Income)
202220212020
Operating lease cost$202 $202 $199 
Operating lease variable lease cost196 193 177 
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets27 31 29 
Interest on lease liabilities19 20 20 
Sublease income(603)(587)(534)
Total lease cost (income)$(159)$(141)$(109)
Schedule of Lease Terms and Discount Rates
Lease Term and Discount Rate as of December 31, 2022 and 2021
As of December 31,
20222021
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years):
Operating leases9.8 years10.1 years
Finance leases11.5 years11.4 years
Weighted-average discount rate:
Operating leases5.5 %5.5 %
Finance leases5.8 %6.0 %
Schedule of Other Lease Information
Other Information for 2022, 2021 and 2020
202220212020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$198 $200 $200 
Operating cash flows from finance leases$19 $20 $20 
Financing cash flows from finance leases$31 $31 $29 
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$22 $52 $59 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease obligations$133 $133 $118 
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Receipts and Commitments
As of December 31, 2022, 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
2023$$355 $49 $195 
2024332 48 184 
2025306 44 170 
2026276 41 153 
2027246 38 139 
Thereafter74 1,217 244 697 
Total minimum receipts / payments$112 $2,732 464 1,538 
Less amount representing interest(121)(374)
Present value of minimum lease payments343 1,164 
Current portion of lease obligations(32)(137)
Long-term portion of lease obligations$311 $1,027 
(a)Minimum lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $1,663 million due in the future under non-cancelable subleases.
v3.22.4
Income Taxes (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
Income before income taxes, classified by source of income, is as follows (in millions):
202220212020
Canadian$444 $457 $200 
Foreign921 906 616 
Income before income taxes$1,365 $1,363 $816 
Schedule of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Attributable to Income from Continuing Operations
Income tax (benefit) expense attributable to income from continuing operations consists of the following (in millions):
202220212020
Current:
Canadian$(284)$16 $45 
U.S. Federal105 (10)125 
U.S. state, net of federal income tax benefit26 25 26 
Other Foreign96 84 78 
$(57)$115 $274 
Deferred:
Canadian$20 $32 $(67)
U.S. Federal(79)(37)(82)
U.S. state, net of federal income tax benefit(9)(7)(27)
Other Foreign(32)
$(60)$(5)$(208)
Income tax expense (benefit)$(117)$110 $66 
Schedule of Statutory Rate Reconciles to Effective Income Tax Rate
The statutory rate reconciles to the effective income tax rate as follows:

202220212020
Statutory rate26.5 %26.5 %26.5 %
Costs and taxes related to foreign operations3.8 3.5 9.6 
Foreign exchange gain (loss)— — 0.5 
Foreign tax rate differential(13.7)(13.9)(15.6)
Change in valuation allowance(0.7)1.1 1.2 
Change in accrual for tax uncertainties(26.7)(7.4)3.9 
Intercompany financing1.2 (3.5)(6.1)
Impact of Tax Act— — (7.8)
Swiss Tax Reform— — (5.1)
Benefit from stock option exercises(0.1)(0.8)(0.3)
Litigation settlements and reserves— 1.4 — 
Other1.1 1.2 1.2 
Effective income tax rate(8.6)%8.1 %8.0 %
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):

202220212020
Income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations$(117)$110 $66 
Cash flow hedge in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)153 72 (64)
Net investment hedge in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)77 (15)(60)
Foreign Currency Translation in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)— (4)12 
Pension liability in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(3)
Total$115 $166 $(49)
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):

202220212020
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)$79 $(22)$(230)
Change in valuation allowance(143)14 22 
Change in effective U.S. state income tax rate
Change in effective foreign income tax rate— (1)
Total$(60)$(5)$(208)
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,
 20222021
Deferred tax assets:
Accounts and notes receivable$$
Accrued employee benefits56 48 
Leases105 115 
Operating lease liabilities304 317 
Liabilities not currently deductible for tax403 346 
Tax loss and credit carryforwards316 517 
Derivatives— 164 
Other(1)
Total gross deferred tax assets1,201 1,510 
Valuation allowance(194)(356)
Net deferred tax assets1,007 1,154 
Less deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation15 15 
Intangible assets1,707 1,751 
Leases125 129 
Operating lease assets281 295 
Statutory impairment27 29 
Derivatives65 — 
Outside basis difference13 38 
Total gross deferred tax liabilities2,233 2,257 
Net deferred tax liability$1,226 $1,103 
Schedule of Changes in Valuation Allowance
Changes in the valuation allowance are as follows (in millions):

202220212020
Beginning balance$356 $364 $329 
Change in estimates recorded to deferred income tax expense(9)14 19 
Changes in losses and credits(134)— 
(Reductions) additions related to other comprehensive income(19)(22)13 
Ending balance$194 $356 $364 
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, 2022 are as follows (in millions):

AmountExpiration Date
Canadian net operating loss carryforwards$521 2036-2042
Canadian capital loss carryforwards153 Indefinite
Canadian tax credits2023-2041
U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards546 2023-2042
U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards19 Indefinite
U.S. capital loss carryforwards16 2040
U.S. foreign tax credits69 2023-2031
Other foreign net operating loss carryforwards249 Indefinite
Other foreign net operating loss carryforwards41 2023-2038
Other foreign capital loss carryforward27 Indefinite
Total$1,645 
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):
202220212020
Beginning balance$437 $497 $506 
Additions for tax positions related to the current year(5)
Additions for tax positions of prior years23 
Reductions for tax positions of prior years(15)(5)(25)
Additions for settlement— — 
Reductions due to statute expiration(281)(94)— 
Ending balance$139 $437 $497 
v3.22.4
Derivative Instruments (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
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)
 202220212020
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges(1)
Interest rate swaps$509 $132 $(333)
Forward-currency contracts$14 $— $(2)
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges
Cross-currency rate swaps$409 $96 $(302)
(1) We did not exclude any components from the cash flow hedge relationships presented in this table.
Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into EarningsGain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into
Earnings
 202220212020
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Interest rate swapsInterest expense, net$(54)$(125)$(102)
Forward-currency contractsCost of sales$$(7)$
 Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in EarningsGain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings (Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
 202220212020
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges
Cross-currency rate swapsInterest expense, net$56 $45 $69 
Schedule of Fair Value Measurements
 Fair Value as of
December 31,
 
 20222021Balance Sheet Location
Assets:
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Interest rate$280 $— Other assets, net
Foreign currencyPrepaids and other current assets
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges
Foreign currency78 23 Other assets, net
Total assets at fair value$365 $25 
Liabilities:
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Interest rate$— $220 Other liabilities, net
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges
Foreign currency34 355 Other liabilities, net
Total liabilities at fair value$34 $575 
v3.22.4
Shareholders' Equity (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
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, 2019$199 $(19)$(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, 2021136 (21)(825)(710)
Foreign currency translation adjustment— — (703)(703)
Net change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax714 — — 714 
Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax34 — — 34 
Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax— — 
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests(236)(2)218 (20)
Balances at December 31, 2022$648 $(17)$(1,310)$(679)
v3.22.4
Share-based Compensation (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Expense
Share-based compensation expense is generally classified as general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and consists of the following for the periods presented (in millions):
202220212020
Total share-based compensation expense - RSUs and Stock options$121 $88 $74 
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, 2022:
 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, 20222,764 $57.47 3,895 $62.09 
Granted1,722 $57.24 2,693 $51.31 
Vested and settled(852)$56.00 (153)$58.31 
Dividend equivalents granted103 $— 160 $— 
Forfeited(184)$58.66 (158)$64.78 
Outstanding at December 31, 20223,553 $57.31 6,437 $57.43 
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 granted in 2022 and 2020 at the grant date. There were no significant stock option awards granted in 2021.
20222020
Risk-free interest rate3.92%1.29%
Expected term (in years)7.505.88
Expected volatility30.0%23.9%
Expected dividend yield3.24%3.14%
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, 2022:
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, 20226,207 $54.80 
Granted2,018 $66.62 
Exercised(484)$43.42 
Forfeited(247)$64.83 
Outstanding at December 31, 20227,494 $58.00 $55,682 6.1
Exercisable at December 31, 20222,724 $46.72 $48,953 3.0
Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 20227,125 $57.75 $54,835 6.0

(a)The intrinsic value represents the amount by which the fair value of our stock exceeds the option exercise price at December 31, 2022.
v3.22.4
Revenue Recognition (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Schedule of Change in Contract Liabilities The following table reflects the change in contract liabilities on a consolidated basis between December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022 (in millions):
Contract Liabilities
Balance at December 31, 2021$531 
Effect of business combination
Recognized during period and included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the year(57)
Increase, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period71 
Impact of foreign currency translation(13)
Balance at December 31, 2022$540 
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) on a consolidated basis as of December 31, 2022 (in millions):
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in
2023$52 
202450 
202547 
202644 
202742 
Thereafter305 
Total$540 
Schedule of Disaggregation of Total Revenues
The following tables disaggregate revenue by segment (in millions):
2022
THBKPLKFHSTotal
Sales$2,631 $70 $78 $40 $2,819 
Royalties320 1,064 287 66 1,737 
Property revenues577 224 12 — 813 
Franchise fees and other revenue28 54 10 19 111 
Advertising revenues and other services267 485 260 13 1,025 
Total revenues$3,823 $1,897 $647 $138 $6,505 
2021
THBKPLKFHSTotal
Sales$2,249 $64 $64 $$2,378 
Royalties287 1,008 264 1,561 
Property revenues556 224 13 — 793 
Franchise fees and other revenue21 60 89 
Advertising revenues and other services229 457 232 — 918 
Total revenues$3,342 $1,813 $579 $$5,739 
2020
THBKPLKFHSTotal
Sales$1,876 $64 $73 $— $2,013 
Royalties240 842 245 — 1,327 
Property revenues486 219 13 — 718 
Franchise fees and other revenue19 52 — 76 
Advertising revenues and other services189 425 220 — 834 
Total revenues$2,810 $1,602 $556 $— $4,968 
v3.22.4
Other Operating Expenses (Income), net (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]  
Schedule of Other Operating Expenses (Income), Net Other operating expenses (income), net, consist of the following (in millions):
202220212020
Net losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings$$$
Litigation settlements and reserves, net11 81 
Net losses (gains) on foreign exchange(4)(76)100 
Other, net14 — (8)
Other operating expenses (income), net$25 $$105 
v3.22.4
Segment Reporting and Geographical Information (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
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):
202220212020
Revenues by operating segment:
TH$3,823 $3,342 $2,810 
BK1,897 1,813 1,602 
PLK647 579 556 
FHS138 — 
Total$6,505 $5,739 $4,968 
Revenues by country (a):
Canada$3,458 $3,035 $2,546 
United States2,273 2,005 1,889 
Other774 699 533 
Total$6,505 $5,739 $4,968 
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$114 $132 $119 
BK66 62 62 
PLK
FHS— — 
Total$190 $201 $189 
Schedule of (Income) Loss from Equity Method Investments
(Income) loss from equity method investments:
TH$(8)$(13)$(4)
BK51 17 43 
PLK— — 
Total$44 $$39 
Schedule of Capital Expenditure
Capital expenditures:
TH$30 $61 $92 
BK63 34 18 
PLK11 
FHS— — 
Total$100 $106 $117 
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,
 2022202120222021
By operating segment:
TH$13,279 $13,995 $1,819 $1,963 
BK5,007 4,946 1,140 1,137 
PLK2,572 2,563 143 141 
FHS1,098 1,103 12 
Unallocated790 639 — — 
Total$22,746 $23,246 $3,114 $3,245 
By country:
Canada$1,531 $1,670 
United States1,558 1,556 
Other25 19 
Total$3,114 $3,245 
Schedule of Reconciliation of Segment Income to Net Income (Loss)
202220212020
Segment income:
TH$1,073 $997 $823 
BK1,007 1,021 823 
PLK242 228 218 
FHS56 — 
Adjusted EBITDA2,378 2,248 1,864 
Share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense136 102 84 
FHS Transaction costs24 18 — 
Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees46 16 16 
Impact of equity method investments (a)59 25 48 
Other operating expenses (income), net25 105 
EBITDA2,088 2,080 1,611 
Depreciation and amortization190 201 189 
Income from operations1,898 1,879 1,422 
Interest expense, net533 505 508 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt— 11 98 
Income tax (benefit) expense(117)110 66 
Net income$1,482 $1,253 $750 
(a)Represents (i) (income) loss from equity method investments and (ii) cash distributions received from our equity method investments. Cash distributions received from our equity method investments are included in segment income.
v3.22.4
Description of Business and Organization - Additional Information (Details)
Dec. 31, 2022
restaurant
country
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]  
Number of restaurants in operation 30,722
Number of countries in which company and franchise restaurants operated (more than) | country 100
Percentage of franchised Tim Hortons, Burger King, and Popeyes restaurants (as a percent) 100.00%
Tim Hortons brand  
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]  
Number of restaurants in operation 5,600
Burger King brand  
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]  
Number of restaurants in operation 19,789
Popeyes brand  
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]  
Number of restaurants in operation 4,091
Firehouse segment  
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]  
Number of restaurants in operation 1,242
v3.22.4
Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
restaurant
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
restaurant
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Summary Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Advertising revenues $ 6,505,000,000 $ 5,739,000,000 $ 4,968,000,000
Advertising expenses and other services 1,032,000,000 962,000,000 870,000,000
Net bad debt expense (recoveries) 19,000,000 (9,000,000) 33,000,000
Goodwill and brand impairment 0 0 0
Franchise and property revenues      
Summary Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Advertising revenues 2,661,000,000 2,443,000,000 2,121,000,000
Advertising revenues and other services      
Summary Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Advertising revenues $ 1,025,000,000 918,000,000 $ 834,000,000
Technology Fee | Franchise and property revenues | Revision of Prior Period, Reclassification, Adjustment      
Summary Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Advertising revenues   (9,000,000)  
Technology Fee | Advertising revenues and other services | Revision of Prior Period, Reclassification, Adjustment      
Summary Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Advertising revenues   9,000,000  
Technology Expense | Revision of Prior Period, Reclassification, Adjustment      
Summary Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
General and administrative expenses decrease   24,000,000  
Advertising expenses and other services   $ 24,000,000  
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    
Corporate systems | Maximum      
Summary Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Estimated useful life of assets (up to) 5 years    
Restaurant VIEs      
Summary Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Number of consolidated restaurants | restaurant 41 46  
v3.22.4
Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Principal carrying amount of our variable term debt and senior notes $ 12,934 $ 12,978
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 11,885 12,851
Principal carrying amount of our variable term debt and senior notes $ 12,890 $ 12,943
v3.22.4
Firehouse Acquisition - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 15, 2021
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt   $ 2 $ 1,335 $ 5,235
Firehouse segment        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Consideration transferred $ 1,016      
FH transaction costs   $ 24 18 $ 0
Firehouse segment | Franchise agreements        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Weighted average useful life of intangible assets   18 years    
Firehouse segment | General and Administrative Expense | Unallocated management G&A        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
FH transaction costs   $ 1 $ 18  
Firehouse segment | Secured debt        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt $ 533      
v3.22.4
Firehouse Acquisition - Schedule of Preliminary Allocation of Consideration to Net Tangible and Intangible Assets Acquired (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 15, 2021
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Goodwill $ 5,688 $ 6,006  
Firehouse segment      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Total current assets     $ 21
Property and equipment     4
Operating lease assets     9
Total liabilities     (48)
Total identifiable net assets     821
Goodwill     195
Total consideration     1,016
Firehouse segment | Trade Names      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Firehouse Subs brand     816
Firehouse segment | Franchise agreements      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Franchise agreements     $ 19
v3.22.4
Firehouse Acquisition - Schedule of Adjustments to Net Assets (Details) - Firehouse segment
$ in Millions
13 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]  
Operating lease assets $ (9)
Total liabilities 35
Total consideration (17)
Total decrease in goodwill (58)
Franchise agreements  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]  
Firehouse Subs brand and Franchise agreements (19)
Trade Names  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]  
Firehouse Subs brand and Franchise agreements $ (48)
v3.22.4
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, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Numerator:      
Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic $ 1,008 $ 838 $ 486
Add: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 471 411 262
Net income available to common shareholders and noncontrolling interests - diluted $ 1,479 $ 1,249 $ 748
Denominator:      
Weighted average common shares - basic (in shares) 307 310 302
Exchange of noncontrolling interests for common shares (in shares) 144 151 162
Effect of other dilutive securities (in shares) 4 3 4
Weighted average common shares - diluted (in shares) 455 464 468
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share) $ 3.28 $ 2.71 $ 1.61
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share) $ 3.25 $ 2.69 $ 1.60
Anti-dilutive securities outstanding (in shares) 6 3 6
v3.22.4
Property and Equipment, net - Schedule of Property and Equipment, Net (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, including finance leases, gross $ 3,011 $ 3,014
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,061) (979)
Property and equipment, net 1,950 2,035
Land    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, including finance leases, gross 985 1,011
Buildings and improvements    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, including finance leases, gross 1,165 1,200
Restaurant equipment    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, including finance leases, gross 192 193
Furniture, fixtures, and other    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, including finance leases, gross 300 257
Finance leases    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, including finance leases, gross 317 323
Construction in progress    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, including finance leases, gross $ 52 $ 30
v3.22.4
Property and Equipment, net - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment $ 135 $ 148 $ 140
Accumulated depreciation and amortization, finance leases 90 77  
Buildings and improvements      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Assets leased under finance leases $ 227 $ 246  
v3.22.4
Intangible Assets, net and Goodwill - Schedule of Intangible Assets, Net and Goodwill (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross $ 810 $ 826
Accumulated Amortization (370) (353)
Net 440 473
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Indefinite-lived intangible assets: 10,551 10,944
Intangible assets, net 10,991 11,417
Goodwill [Line Items]    
Goodwill 5,688 6,006
Tim Hortons brand    
Goodwill [Line Items]    
Goodwill 4,059 4,306
Burger King brand    
Goodwill [Line Items]    
Goodwill 590 601
Popeyes brand    
Goodwill [Line Items]    
Goodwill 846 846
Firehouse segment    
Goodwill [Line Items]    
Goodwill 193 253
Trade Names | Tim Hortons brand    
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Indefinite-lived intangible assets: 6,293 6,695
Trade Names | Burger King brand    
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Indefinite-lived intangible assets: 2,088 2,126
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: 815 768
Franchise agreements    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross 720 722
Accumulated Amortization (313) (290)
Net 407 432
Favorable leases    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross 90 104
Accumulated Amortization (57) (63)
Net $ 33 $ 41
v3.22.4
Intangible Assets, net and Goodwill - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]      
Amortization expense on intangible assets $ 39 $ 41 $ 43
v3.22.4
Intangible Assets, net and Goodwill - Schedule of the Estimated Future Amortization Expenses on Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]    
2023 $ 37  
2024 36  
2025 34  
2026 34  
2027 34  
Thereafter 265  
Net $ 440 $ 473
v3.22.4
Equity Method Investments - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Equity method investments $ 167 $ 194  
Equity method investee      
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Accounts receivable from equity method investments 42 48  
Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc.      
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Quoted market price 13    
Impairment $ 15    
Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. | United States      
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Ownership percentage (as a percent) 15.20%    
BK Brasil      
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Ownership percentage (as a percent) 9.40%    
Quoted market price $ 27    
Tim Hortons brand      
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Ownership percentage (as a percent) 3.80%    
Quoted market price $ 16    
Wendy's Company TIMWEN Partnership | Tim Hortons brand      
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Cash distributions 13 16 $ 8
Rent expense $ 19 $ 18 $ 15
Wendy's Company TIMWEN Partnership | Canadian      
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Ownership percentage (as a percent) 50.00%    
v3.22.4
Equity Method Investments - Schedule of Franchise and Property Revenue (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Revenues from affiliates:      
Property revenues $ 813 $ 793 $ 718
Total revenues 6,505 5,739 4,968
Royalties      
Revenues from affiliates:      
Sales 1,737 1,561 1,327
Advertising revenues      
Revenues from affiliates:      
Sales 1,025 918 834
Total revenues 1,025 918 834
Franchise fees and other revenue      
Revenues from affiliates:      
Sales 111 89 76
Affiliates      
Revenues from affiliates:      
Total revenues 491 480 338
Affiliates | Royalties      
Revenues from affiliates:      
Sales 353 350 239
Affiliates | Advertising revenues      
Revenues from affiliates:      
Sales 71 67 50
Affiliates | Property revenues      
Revenues from affiliates:      
Property revenues 31 32 32
Affiliates | Franchise fees and other revenue      
Revenues from affiliates:      
Sales 18 21 14
Affiliates | Sales      
Revenues from affiliates:      
Sales $ 18 $ 10 $ 3
v3.22.4
Other Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities - Schedule of Other Accrued Liabilities (Current) and Other Liabilities (Noncurrent), Net (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Current:    
Dividend payable $ 243 $ 241
Interest payable 89 63
Accrued compensation and benefits 124 99
Taxes payable 190 106
Deferred income 43 48
Accrued advertising expenses 37 43
Restructuring and other provisions 29 90
Current portion of operating lease liabilities $ 137 $ 140
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] Other accrued liabilities Other accrued liabilities
Other $ 109 $ 117
Other accrued liabilities 1,001 947
Non-current:    
Taxes payable 139 533
Contract liabilities (see Note 15) 540 531
Derivatives liabilities 34 575
Unfavorable leases 50 65
Accrued pension 40 47
Deferred income 44 37
Other 25 34
Other liabilities, net $ 872 $ 1,822
v3.22.4
Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 13, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Nov. 09, 2020
Apr. 07, 2020
Nov. 19, 2019
Sep. 24, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
TH Facility and other $ 155 $ 173            
Less: unamortized deferred financing costs and deferred issuance discount (111) (138)            
Total debt, net 12,934 12,978            
Less: current maturities of debt (95) (62)            
Total long-term debt 12,839 12,916            
Term Loan B                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Term loan facility 5,190 5,243            
Term Loan A                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Term loan facility $ 1,250 1,250 $ 1,250          
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 1,550            
3.50% First Lien Senior Notes due 2029 | Senior notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 3.50%       3.50%      
Senior notes $ 750 750            
5.75% First Lien Senior Notes due 2025 | Senior notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 5.75%         5.75%    
Senior notes $ 500 500            
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            
v3.22.4
Long-Term Debt - Credit Facilities (Details)
Dec. 13, 2021
USD ($)
subsidiary
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]        
Capitalized debt issuance costs   $ 0 $ 19,000,000 $ 43,000,000
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%      
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 $ 1,250,000,000 1,250,000,000  
Interest rate, base rate floor (as a percent) 1.00%      
Effective interest rate (as a percent)   5.44%    
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   $ 5,190,000,000 $ 5,243,000,000  
Effective interest rate (as a percent)   6.13%    
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%      
v3.22.4
Long-Term Debt - Revolving Credit Facility (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
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
v3.22.4
Long-Term Debt - Senior Notes (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Jul. 06, 2021
Nov. 09, 2020
Apr. 07, 2020
Nov. 19, 2019
Sep. 24, 2019
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Capitalized debt issuance costs           $ 0 $ 19,000,000 $ 43,000,000
Loss on early extinguishment of debt           $ 0 11,000,000 $ 98,000,000
3.875% First Lien Senior Notes due 2028 | Senior notes                
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      
Debt instrument redemption price percentage (as a percent) 100.25%              
2017 4.25% Senior Notes (due May 15, 2024) | Senior notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Stated interest rate (as a percent)   4.25%            
Principal amount redeemed $ 775,000,000 $ 725,000,000            
Capitalized debt issuance costs         $ 7,000,000      
Loss on early extinguishment of debt $ 11,000,000 $ 19,000,000         $ 11,000,000  
5.75% First Lien Senior Notes due 2025 | Senior notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Stated interest rate (as a percent)     5.75%     5.75%    
Aggregate principal amount of debt issued     $ 500,000,000          
Principal payments     0          
Capitalized debt issuance costs     $ 10,000,000          
3.50% First Lien Senior Notes due 2029 | Senior notes                
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                
Stated interest rate (as a percent)   3.50%       3.50%    
Aggregate principal amount of debt issued   $ 750,000,000            
Principal payments   0            
Capitalized debt issuance costs   $ 7,000,000            
4.375% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2028 | Senior notes                
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        
4.00% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2030 | Senior notes                
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
5.00% Second Lien Senior Notes 2025 (due October 15, 2025 ) | Senior notes                
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
v3.22.4
Long-Term Debt - Restrictions and Covenants (Details) - USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2020
Nov. 09, 2020
Apr. 07, 2020
Nov. 19, 2019
Sep. 24, 2019
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]            
Amount of letter of credit outstanding $ 0          
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%     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%   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          
Swingline loans outstanding percentage (as a percent) 30.00%          
Covenant, maximum amount of letters of credit outstanding $ 50,000,000          
v3.22.4
Long-Term Debt - TH Facility and RE Facility (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
subsidiary
Dec. 31, 2022
CAD ($)
subsidiary
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]      
Principal carrying amount of our variable term debt and senior notes $ 12,934,000,000   $ 12,978,000,000
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   $ 203,000,000  
Effective interest rate (as a percent) 6.07% 6.07%  
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 $ 2,000,000    
Effective interest rate (as a percent) 5.97% 5.97%  
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%    
v3.22.4
Long-Term Debt - Debt Issuance Costs and Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Jul. 06, 2021
Nov. 09, 2020
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Sep. 24, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Capitalized debt issuance costs     $ 0 $ 19,000,000 $ 43,000,000  
Loss on early extinguishment of debt     $ 0 11,000,000 98,000,000  
Senior notes | 2017 4.25% Senior Notes (due May 15, 2024)            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Capitalized debt issuance costs           $ 7,000,000
Loss on early extinguishment of debt $ 11,000,000 $ 19,000,000   $ 11,000,000    
Principal amount redeemed $ 775,000,000 $ 725,000,000        
Stated interest rate (as a percent)   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%  
v3.22.4
Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Aggregate Maturities of Long-Term Debt (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Principal Amount  
2023 $ 97
2024 107
2025 741
2026 6,148
2027 0
Thereafter 5,952
Total $ 13,045
v3.22.4
Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Interest Expense, Net (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]      
Debt $ 493 $ 461 $ 471
Finance lease obligations 19 20 20
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount 28 27 26
Interest income (7) (3) (9)
Interest expense, net 533 505 508
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 $ 56 $ 45 $ 69
v3.22.4
Leases - Additional Information (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
property
restaurant
Leases [Abstract]  
Restaurant properties to franchisees leased or subleased | restaurant 4,978
Non restaurant properties to third parties under capital and operating leases | property 147
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
v3.22.4
Leases - Schedule of Assets Lease, Property and Equipment, Net (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, gross $ 2,025 $ 2,097
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (625) (587)
Property and equipment, net 1,400 1,510
Land    
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, gross 880 899
Buildings and improvements    
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, gross 1,129 1,180
Restaurant equipment    
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, gross $ 16 $ 18
v3.22.4
Leases - Schedule of Net Investment, Direct Financing Leases (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Future rents to be received:    
Future minimum lease receipts $ 112 $ 113
Contingent rents 5 7
Estimated unguaranteed residual value 6 5
Unearned income (36) (40)
Net investment in lease 87 85
Current portion included within accounts receivable (5) (5)
Net investment in property leased to franchisees $ 82 $ 80
v3.22.4
Leases - Schedule of Property Revenue (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Rental income:      
Minimum lease payments $ 410 $ 455 $ 445
Variable lease payments 395 329 262
Amortization of favorable and unfavorable income lease contracts, net 1 3 6
Subtotal - lease income from operating leases 806 787 713
Earned income on direct financing and sales-type leases 7 6 5
Total property revenues $ 813 $ 793 $ 718
v3.22.4
Leases - Lease Cost (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]      
Operating lease cost $ 202 $ 202 $ 199
Operating lease variable lease cost 196 193 177
Finance lease cost:      
Amortization of right-of-use assets 27 31 29
Interest on lease liabilities 19 20 20
Sublease income (603) (587) (534)
Total lease cost (income) $ (159) $ (141) $ (109)
v3.22.4
Leases - Lease Term and Discount Rate (Details)
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years):    
Operating leases 9 years 9 months 18 days 10 years 1 month 6 days
Finance leases 11 years 6 months 11 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted-average discount rate:    
Operating leases 5.50% 5.50%
Finance leases 5.80% 6.00%
v3.22.4
Leases - Other Information Associated With Leases (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:      
Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 198 $ 200 $ 200
Operating cash flows from finance leases 19 20 20
Financing cash flows from finance leases 31 31 29
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 22 52 59
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease obligations $ 133 $ 133 $ 118
v3.22.4
Leases - Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Receipts and Commitments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Direct Financing and Sales-Type Leases    
2023 $ 8  
2024 8  
2025 8  
2026 7  
2027 7  
Thereafter 74  
Total minimum receipts / payments 112  
Operating Leases    
2023 355  
2024 332  
2025 306  
2026 276  
2027 246  
Thereafter 1,217  
Total minimum receipts / payments 2,732  
Finance Leases    
2023 49  
2024 48  
2025 44  
2026 41  
2027 38  
Thereafter 244  
Total minimum receipts / payments 464  
Less amount representing interest (121)  
Present value of minimum lease payments $ 343  
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 $ (32)  
Long-term portion of lease obligations 311 $ 333
Operating Leases    
2023 195  
2024 184  
2025 170  
2026 153  
2027 139  
Thereafter 697  
Total minimum receipts / payments 1,538  
Less amount representing interest (374)  
Present value of minimum lease payments 1,164  
Current portion of lease obligations (137) (140)
Long-term portion of lease obligations 1,027 $ 1,070
Minimum sublease rentals $ 1,663  
v3.22.4
Income Taxes - Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Income Tax [Line Items]      
Foreign $ 921 $ 906 $ 616
Income before income taxes 1,365 1,363 816
Canadian      
Income Tax [Line Items]      
Foreign $ 444 $ 457 $ 200
v3.22.4
Income Taxes - Income Tax (Benefit) Expense Attributable to Income from Continuing Operations (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Current:      
Total current income tax expense (benefit) $ (57) $ 115 $ 274
Deferred:      
Total (60) (5) (208)
Income tax expense (benefit) (117) 110 66
Canadian      
Current:      
Foreign (284) 16 45
Deferred:      
Foreign 20 32 (67)
United States      
Current:      
U.S. Federal 105 (10) 125
U.S. state, net of federal income tax benefit 26 25 26
Deferred:      
U.S. Federal (79) (37) (82)
U.S. state, net of federal income tax benefit (9) (7) (27)
Other Foreign      
Current:      
Foreign 96 84 78
Deferred:      
Foreign $ 8 $ 7 $ (32)
v3.22.4
Income Taxes - Schedule of US Federal Tax Statutory Rate Reconciles to Effective Income Tax Rate (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]      
Statutory rate 26.50% 26.50% 26.50%
Costs and taxes related to foreign operations 3.80% 3.50% 9.60%
Foreign exchange gain (loss) 0.00% 0.00% 0.50%
Foreign tax rate differential (13.70%) (13.90%) (15.60%)
Change in valuation allowance (0.70%) 1.10% 1.20%
Change in accrual for tax uncertainties (26.70%) (7.40%) 3.90%
Intercompany financing 1.20% (3.50%) (6.10%)
Impact of Tax Act 0.00% 0.00% (7.80%)
Swiss Tax Reform 0.00% 0.00% (5.10%)
Benefit from stock option exercises (0.10%) (0.80%) (0.30%)
Litigation settlements and reserves 0.00% 1.40% 0.00%
Other 1.10% 1.20% 1.20%
Effective income tax rate (8.60%) 8.10% 8.00%
v3.22.4
Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]        
Impact from TCJA, favorable adjustment     $ 64  
Decrease in effective tax rate (as a percent)     7.80%  
Federal act on tax reform and AVS financing, change in tax rate, provisional income tax benefit     $ 41  
Federal act on tax reform and AVS financing, change in tax rate, decrease in effective tax rate (as a percent)     5.10%  
Decrease in valuation allowance $ (162)      
Unrecognized tax benefits 139 $ 437 $ 497 $ 506
Possible reduction in unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months 48      
Total amount of accrued interest and penalties 27 121    
Potential interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions $ 3 $ 2 $ 31  
Income tax returns period subject to examination (up to) 6 years      
v3.22.4
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, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]      
Income tax expense (benefit) $ (117) $ 110 $ 66
Cash flow hedge in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 153 72 (64)
Net investment hedge in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 77 (15) (60)
Foreign Currency Translation in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 0 (4) 12
Pension liability in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 2 3 (3)
Total $ 115 $ 166 $ (49)
v3.22.4
Income Taxes - Schedule of Deferred Income Tax (Benefit) Expense Attributable to Income from Continuing Operations (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]      
Deferred income tax expense (benefit) $ 79 $ (22) $ (230)
Change in valuation allowance (143) 14 22
Change in effective U.S. state income tax rate 3 3 1
Change in effective foreign income tax rate 1 0 (1)
Total $ (60) $ (5) $ (208)
v3.22.4
Income Taxes - Schedule of the Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Deferred tax assets:        
Accounts and notes receivable $ 8 $ 4    
Accrued employee benefits 56 48    
Leases 105 115    
Operating lease liabilities 304 317    
Liabilities not currently deductible for tax 403 346    
Tax loss and credit carryforwards 316 517    
Derivatives 0 164    
Other 9 (1)    
Total gross deferred tax assets 1,201 1,510    
Valuation allowance (194) (356) $ (364) $ (329)
Net deferred tax assets 1,007 1,154    
Less deferred tax liabilities:        
Property and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation 15 15    
Intangible assets 1,707 1,751    
Leases 125 129    
Operating lease assets 281 295    
Statutory impairment 27 29    
Derivatives 65 0    
Outside basis difference 13 38    
Total gross deferred tax liabilities 2,233 2,257    
Net deferred tax liability $ 1,226 $ 1,103    
v3.22.4
Income Taxes - Schedule of Changes in Valuation Allowance (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance $ 356 $ 364 $ 329
Change in estimates recorded to deferred income tax expense (9) 14 19
Changes in losses and credits (134) 0 3
(Reductions) additions related to other comprehensive income (19) (22) 13
Ending balance $ 194 $ 356 $ 364
v3.22.4
Income Taxes - Schedule of Amount and Expiration Dates of Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carry-forwards (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Operating Loss And Tax Credit Carryforwards [Line Items]  
Total $ 1,645
Canadian net operating loss carryforwards  
Operating Loss And Tax Credit Carryforwards [Line Items]  
Operating loss carryforwards 521
Canadian capital loss carryforwards  
Operating Loss And Tax Credit Carryforwards [Line Items]  
Capital loss carryforwards 153
Canadian tax credits  
Operating Loss And Tax Credit Carryforwards [Line Items]  
U.S. foreign tax credits 4
U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards  
Operating Loss And Tax Credit Carryforwards [Line Items]  
Operating loss carryforwards 546
U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards  
Operating Loss And Tax Credit Carryforwards [Line Items]  
Operating loss carryforwards 19
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 69
Foreign tax credits  
Operating Loss And Tax Credit Carryforwards [Line Items]  
Operating loss carryforwards 249
Capital loss carryforwards 27
Other foreign net operating loss carryforwards  
Operating Loss And Tax Credit Carryforwards [Line Items]  
Operating loss carryforwards $ 41
v3.22.4
Income Taxes - A Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amounts of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance $ 437 $ 497 $ 506
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (5)    
Additions for tax positions related to the current year   9 9
Additions for tax positions of prior years 3 23 7
Reductions for tax positions of prior years (15) (5) (25)
Additions for settlement 0 7 0
Reductions due to statute expiration (281) (94) 0
Ending balance $ 139 $ 437 $ 497
v3.22.4
Derivative Instruments - Additional Information (Details)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2022
EUR (€)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]            
Settlement/sale of derivatives, net $ 71,000,000 $ 5,000,000 $ 33,000,000      
Interest Rate Swap - Period One            
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]            
Notional value 3,500,000,000          
Interest Rate Swap - Period Two            
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]            
Notional value 500,000,000          
Interest rate swaps | Interest expense, net            
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]            
Loss reclassified from AOCI to income 86,000,000          
Cross currency interest rate contract | Derivatives designated as net investment hedges            
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]            
Settlement/sale of derivatives, net 35,000,000          
Cross currency interest rate contract | Fixed income interest rate            
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]            
Notional value 5,000,000,000          
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 $ 197,000,000          
v3.22.4
Derivative Instruments - Quantitative Disclosures of Derivative Instruments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
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) $ 509 $ 132 $ (333)
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 (54) (125) (102)
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) 14 0 (2)
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 8 (7) 2
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) 409 96 (302)
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) $ 56 $ 45 $ 69
v3.22.4
Derivative Instruments - Schedule of Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivatives assets $ 365 $ 25
Derivatives liabilities 34 575
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges | Interest rate | Other assets, net    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivatives assets 280 0
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges | Interest rate | Other liabilities, net    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivatives liabilities 0 220
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges | Foreign currency | Prepaids and other current assets    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivatives assets 7 2
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges | Foreign currency | Other assets, net    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivatives assets 78 23
Derivatives designated as net investment hedges | Foreign currency | Other liabilities, net    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivatives liabilities $ 34 $ 355
v3.22.4
Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
day
shares
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
shares
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
shares
Jul. 28, 2021
shares
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]        
Conversion rate (in shares) 1      
Consecutive trading days | day 20      
Partnership exchangeable units (in shares)   10,119,880 10,393,861  
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) 6,101,364 9,247,648    
Amount of shares repurchased and cancelled | $ $ 326,000,000 $ 551,000,000    
Remaining authorized repurchase amount | $ $ 123,000,000      
Partnerships with exchangeable units        
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]        
Partnership exchangeable units (in shares) 1,996,818 10,119,880 3,636,169  
Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership        
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]        
Partnership exchangeable units economic interest 31.80% 31.90%    
Partnership exchangeable units economic interest (in shares) 142,996,640 144,993,458    
v3.22.4
Shareholders' Equity - Schedule of Change in Components of AOCI (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance $ 3,853 $ 3,721 $ 4,259
Foreign currency translation adjustment (703) (67) 332
Net change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax 714 207 (486)
Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax 34 96 73
Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax 6 15 (16)
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests (20) (107) 6
Ending balance 4,268 3,853 3,721
Derivatives      
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance 136 (69) 199
Net change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax 714 207 (486)
Amounts reclassified to earnings of cash flow hedges, net of tax 34 96 73
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests (236) (98) 145
Ending balance 648 136 (69)
Pensions      
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance (21) (30) (19)
Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax 6 15 (16)
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests (2) (6) 5
Ending balance (17) (21) (30)
Foreign Currency Translation      
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance (825) (755) (943)
Foreign currency translation adjustment (703) (67) 332
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests 218 (3) (144)
Ending balance (1,310) (825) (755)
Accumulated  Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)      
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance (710) (854) (763)
Ending balance $ (679) $ (710) $ (854)
v3.22.4
Share-based Compensation - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2022
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Unrecognized compensation cost, period for recognition   3 years 1 month 6 days    
Portion of options vesting on each anniversary date, vesting percentage (as a percent)   20.00%    
New awards granted (in shares) 2,000,000 2,018,000 0  
Expected term of grant options   7 years 6 months   5 years 10 months 17 days
Fair value of options granted (in usd per share)   $ 17.52 $ 10.15 $ 10.38
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised   $ 10 $ 46 $ 55
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%    
Maximum | U.S. Treasury Yield        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Expected term of grant options   5 years    
2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Shares available for issuance under the plan (in shares)   3,714,406    
Stock Compensation Plan        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Unrecognized compensation cost   $ 312    
Time-vested 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)     25.00%  
Vesting period     4 years  
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)     $ 60,970,000 $ 65,200,000
Performance-based 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)     100.00%  
Vesting period 5 years 6 months 3 years 3 years  
Employee service period     2 years  
New awards granted (in shares) 750,000      
Weighted average grant date fair value, over period of time (in usd per share)     $ 57,600,000 $ 62,690,000
Performance-based RSUs | Prior To 2021        
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%
Performance-based RSUs | Minimum        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Employee service period     3 years  
Performance-based RSUs | Maximum        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Employee service period     5 years  
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 and Performance-based RSUs | Minimum        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Portion of options vesting on each anniversary date, vesting percentage (as a percent) 50.00%      
Time-vested RSUs and Performance-based RSUs | Maximum        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Portion of options vesting on each anniversary date, vesting percentage (as a percent) 200.00%      
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Vesting period 5 years      
New awards granted (in shares) 500,000      
Total intrinsic value of vested RSU's   $ 58 $ 99 $ 21
Restricted Stock Units (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)     20.00%  
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | 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%  
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | 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)     20.00%  
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | 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)     20.00%  
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Fifth 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%  
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Vesting period 5 years 5 years    
Stock options, expiration period 10 years 10 years    
v3.22.4
Share-based Compensation - Schedule of Share-based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]      
Total share-based compensation expense - RSUs and Stock options $ 121 $ 88 $ 74
v3.22.4
Share-based Compensation - Schedule of Time-Vested RSUs and Performance-Based RSUs Activity (Details)
shares in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
$ / shares
shares
Time-vested RSUs  
Total Number of Shares (in 000’s)  
Outstanding beginning balance (in shares) | shares 2,764
Granted (in shares) | shares 1,722
Vested and settled (in shares) | shares (852)
Dividend equivalents grants (in shares) | shares 103
Forfeited (in shares) | shares (184)
Outstanding ending balance (in shares) | shares 3,553
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value  
Outstanding beginning balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 57.47
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 57.24
Vested and settled (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 56.00
Dividend equivalents granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 0
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 58.66
Outstanding ending balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 57.31
Performance-based RSUs  
Total Number of Shares (in 000’s)  
Outstanding beginning balance (in shares) | shares 3,895
Granted (in shares) | shares 2,693
Vested and settled (in shares) | shares (153)
Dividend equivalents grants (in shares) | shares 160
Forfeited (in shares) | shares (158)
Outstanding ending balance (in shares) | shares 6,437
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value  
Outstanding beginning balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 62.09
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 51.31
Vested and settled (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 58.31
Dividend equivalents granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 0
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 64.78
Outstanding ending balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 57.43
v3.22.4
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, 2022
Dec. 31, 2020
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]    
Risk-free interest rate 3.92% 1.29%
Expected term (in years) 7 years 6 months 5 years 10 months 17 days
Expected volatility 30.00% 23.90%
Expected dividend yield 3.24% 3.14%
v3.22.4
Share-based Compensation - Schedule of Option Activity under the Various Plan (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2022
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Total Number of Options      
Outstanding beginning balance (in shares)   6,207  
Granted (in shares) 2,000 2,018 0
Exercised (in shares)   (484)  
Forfeited (in shares)   (247)  
Outstanding ending balance (in shares)   7,494 6,207
Number of options, Exercisable (in shares)   2,724  
Number of options, Vested or expected to vest (in shares)   7,125  
Weighted  Average Exercise Price      
Outstanding beginning balance (in dollars per share)   $ 54.80  
Granted (in dollars per share)   66.62  
Exercised (in dollars per share)   43.42  
Forfeited (in dollars per share)   64.83  
Outstanding ending balance (in dollars per share)   58.00 $ 54.80
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable (in dollars per share)   46.72  
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Vested or expected to vest (in dollars per share)   $ 57.75  
Stock Option Activity, Additional Disclosures      
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding   $ 55,682  
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years), Outstanding   6 years 1 month 6 days  
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable   $ 48,953  
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years), Exercisable   3 years  
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested or expected to vest   $ 54,835  
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years), Vested or expected to vest   6 years  
v3.22.4
Revenue Recognition - Change in Contract Liabilities (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Change In Contract With Customer Liability [Roll Forward]  
Beginning balance $ 531
Effect of business combination 8
Recognized during period and included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the year (57)
Increase, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period 71
Impact of foreign currency translation (13)
Ending balance $ 540
v3.22.4
Revenue Recognition - Estimated Revenue Recognition (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in $ 540
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 $ 52
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 $ 50
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 $ 47
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 $ 44
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 1 year
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized in $ 42
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2028-01-01  
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 $ 305
v3.22.4
Revenue Recognition - Disaggregation of Total Revenues (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]      
Total lease cost (income) $ 813 $ 793 $ 718
Total revenues 6,505 5,739 4,968
Tim Hortons brand      
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]      
Total lease cost (income) 577 556 486
Total revenues 3,823 3,342 2,810
Burger King brand      
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]      
Total lease cost (income) 224 224 219
Total revenues 1,897 1,813 1,602
Popeyes brand      
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]      
Total lease cost (income) 12 13 13
Total revenues 647 579 556
Firehouse segment      
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]      
Total lease cost (income) 0 0 0
Total revenues 138 5 0
Sales      
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]      
Sales 2,819 2,378 2,013
Total revenues 2,819 2,378 2,013
Sales | Tim Hortons brand      
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]      
Sales 2,631 2,249 1,876
Sales | Burger King brand      
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]      
Sales 70 64 64
Sales | Popeyes brand      
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]      
Sales 78 64 73
Sales | Firehouse segment      
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]      
Sales 40 1 0
Royalties      
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]      
Sales 1,737 1,561 1,327
Royalties | Tim Hortons brand      
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]      
Sales 320 287 240
Royalties | Burger King brand      
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]      
Sales 1,064 1,008 842
Royalties | Popeyes brand      
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]      
Sales 287 264 245
Royalties | Firehouse segment      
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]      
Sales 66 2 0
Franchise fees and other revenue      
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]      
Sales 111 89 76
Franchise fees and other revenue | Tim Hortons brand      
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]      
Sales 28 21 19
Franchise fees and other revenue | Burger King brand      
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]      
Sales 54 60 52
Franchise fees and other revenue | Popeyes brand      
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]      
Sales 10 6 5
Franchise fees and other revenue | Firehouse segment      
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]      
Sales 19 2 0
Advertising revenues and other services      
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]      
Sales 1,025 918 834
Total revenues 1,025 918 834
Advertising revenues and other services | Tim Hortons brand      
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]      
Sales 267 229 189
Advertising revenues and other services | Burger King brand      
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]      
Sales 485 457 425
Advertising revenues and other services | Popeyes brand      
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]      
Sales 260 232 220
Advertising revenues and other services | Firehouse segment      
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]      
Sales $ 13 $ 0 $ 0
v3.22.4
Other Operating Expenses (Income), net - Other Operating Expenses (Income), net (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]      
Net losses (gains) on disposal of assets, restaurant closures and refranchisings $ 4 $ 2 $ 6
Litigation settlements and reserves, net 11 81 7
Net losses (gains) on foreign exchange (4) (76) 100
Other, net 14 0 (8)
Other operating expenses (income), net $ 25 $ 7 $ 105
v3.22.4
Other Operating Expenses (Income), net (Details) - Burger King And Popeyes - China - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]    
Litigation settlements and reserves, current $ 100 $ 72
Other Operating Income (Expense)    
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]    
Litigation settlements and reserves, current $ 5  
v3.22.4
Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details)
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2022
case
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Commitments Contingencies And Litigation [Line Items]    
Amount of letter of credit outstanding   $ 0
Litigation settlement, gross   $ 23,000,000
Pending litigation | Hussain Vs Burger King Corporation    
Commitments Contingencies And Litigation [Line Items]    
New claims file | case 2  
Purchase commitments    
Commitments Contingencies And Litigation [Line Items]    
Contractual obligation related with telecommunication   2 years
Purchase commitments | Advertising Commitment    
Commitments Contingencies And Litigation [Line Items]    
Purchase of advertising   $ 212,000,000
Standby letters of credit    
Commitments Contingencies And Litigation [Line Items]    
Amount of letter of credit outstanding   11,000,000
Letters of credit secured by collateral   $ 2,000,000
v3.22.4
Segment Reporting and Geographical Information - Additional Information (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
segment
brand
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Number of brands | brand 4
Number of operating segments 4
Number of reportable segments 4
v3.22.4
Segment Reporting and Geographical Information - Revenues by Operating Segment and Country (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]      
Total revenues $ 6,505 $ 5,739 $ 4,968
Canadian      
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]      
Total revenues $ 3,458 $ 3,035 $ 2,546
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 $ 2,273 $ 2,005 $ 1,889
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 $ 774 $ 699 $ 533
TH      
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]      
Total revenues 3,823 3,342 2,810
BK      
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]      
Total revenues 1,897 1,813 1,602
PLK      
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]      
Total revenues 647 579 556
FHS      
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]      
Total revenues $ 138 $ 5 $ 0
v3.22.4
Segment Reporting and Geographical Information - Depreciation and Amortization Expense (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Depreciation and amortization $ 190 $ 201 $ 189
TH      
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Depreciation and amortization 114 132 119
BK      
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Depreciation and amortization 66 62 62
PLK      
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Depreciation and amortization 8 7 8
FHS      
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Depreciation and amortization $ 2 $ 0 $ 0
v3.22.4
Segment Reporting and Geographical Information - (Income) Loss from Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
(Income) loss from equity method investments $ 44 $ 4 $ 39
TH      
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
(Income) loss from equity method investments (8) (13) (4)
BK      
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
(Income) loss from equity method investments 51 17 43
PLK      
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
(Income) loss from equity method investments $ 1 $ 0 $ 0
v3.22.4
Segment Reporting and Geographical Information - Capital Expenditure (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Capital Expenditures:      
Capital expenditures $ 100 $ 106 $ 117
TH      
Capital Expenditures:      
Capital expenditures 30 61 92
BK      
Capital Expenditures:      
Capital expenditures 63 34 18
PLK      
Capital Expenditures:      
Capital expenditures 6 11 7
FHS      
Capital Expenditures:      
Capital expenditures $ 1 $ 0 $ 0
v3.22.4
Segment Reporting and Geographical Information - Schedule of Segment Related Assets and Long Lived Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]    
Assets $ 22,746 $ 23,246
Long-Lived Assets 3,114 3,245
Canadian    
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]    
Long-Lived Assets $ 1,531 $ 1,670
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 $ 1,558 $ 1,556
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 $ 25 $ 19
Operating segments | TH    
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]    
Assets 13,279 13,995
Long-Lived Assets 1,819 1,963
Operating segments | BK    
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]    
Assets 5,007 4,946
Long-Lived Assets 1,140 1,137
Operating segments | PLK    
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]    
Assets 2,572 2,563
Long-Lived Assets 143 141
Operating segments | FHS    
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]    
Assets 1,098 1,103
Long-Lived Assets 12 4
Unallocated    
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]    
Assets 790 639
Long-Lived Assets $ 0 $ 0
v3.22.4
Segment Reporting and Geographical Information - Reconciliation of Segment Income to Net Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Adjusted EBITDA $ 2,378 $ 2,248 $ 1,864
Impact of equity method investments 44 4 39
Other operating expenses (income), net 25 7 105
EBITDA 2,088 2,080 1,611
Depreciation and amortization 190 201 189
Income from operations 1,898 1,879 1,422
Interest expense, net 533 505 508
Loss on early extinguishment of debt 0 11 98
Income tax (benefit) expense (117) 110 66
Net income 1,482 1,253 750
FHS      
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
FHS Transaction costs 24 18 0
TH      
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Impact of equity method investments (8) (13) (4)
BK      
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Impact of equity method investments 51 17 43
PLK      
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Impact of equity method investments 1 0 0
Operating segments | TH      
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Adjusted EBITDA 1,073 997 823
Operating segments | BK      
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Adjusted EBITDA 1,007 1,021 823
Operating segments | PLK      
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Adjusted EBITDA 242 228 218
Operating segments | FHS      
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Adjusted EBITDA 56 2 0
Unallocated management G&A      
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Share-based compensation and non-cash incentive compensation expense 136 102 84
Corporate restructuring and tax advisory fees 46 16 16
Impact of equity method investments 59 25 48
Other operating expenses (income), net $ 25 $ 7 $ 105
v3.22.4
Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Details) - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Apr. 06, 2023
Feb. 14, 2023
Jan. 04, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Subsequent Event [Line Items]            
Cash dividend declared by board (in dollars per share)       $ 2.16 $ 2.12 $ 2.08
Forecast            
Subsequent Event [Line Items]            
Cash dividend paid per common share (in dollars per share) $ 0.55          
Subsequent event            
Subsequent Event [Line Items]            
Cash dividend paid per common share (in dollars per share)     $ 0.54      
Cash dividend declared by board (in dollars per share)   $ 0.55        
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)   $ 0.55 $ 0.54