SEC Form 10-K Filing Report

Company: YUM BRANDS INC
CIK: 1041061
SIC Code: 5812
Filing Date: 2020-02-20 00:00:00
Market Capitalization: 31416728.770736694

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1.
Business.
Yum! Brands, Inc. (referred to herein as “YUM”, the “Registrant” or the “Company”), was incorporated under the laws of the state of North Carolina in 1997. The principal executive offices of YUM are located at 1441 Gardiner Lane, Louisville, Kentucky 40213, and the telephone number at that location is (502) 874-8300. Our website address is https://www.yum.com.
YUM, together with its subsidiaries, is referred to in this Form 10-K annual report (“Form 10-K”) as the Company. The terms “we,” “us” and “our” are also used in the Form 10-K to refer to the Company. Throughout this Form 10-K, the terms “restaurants,” “stores” and “units” are used interchangeably. While YUM does not directly own or operate any restaurants, throughout this document we may refer to restaurants that are owned or operated by our subsidiaries as being Company-owned.
Overview of Business
YUM has over 50,000 restaurants in more than 150 countries and territories primarily operating under the three concepts of KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell (the “Concepts”). These three concepts are global leaders of the chicken, pizza and Mexican-style food categories, respectively. At December 31, 2019, 98% of our units are operated by independent franchisees or licensees under the terms of franchise or license agreements. The terms "franchise" or "franchisee" within this Form 10-K are meant to describe third parties that operate units under either franchise or license agreements.
Following is a summary of our Concepts' operations and a brief description of each Concept as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019:
Number of Units
% of Units International
Number of Countries and Territories
% Franchised
System Sales(a) (in Millions)
KFC Division
24,104
%
%
$
27,900
Pizza Hut Division
18,703
%
%
12,900
Taco Bell Division
7,363
%
%
11,784
YUM
50,170
%
%
$
52,584
(a)
Constitutes sales of all restaurants, both Company-owned and franchised. See further discussion of this non-GAAP measure within Part II, Item 7 of this Form 10-K.
KFC
KFC was founded in Corbin, Kentucky by Colonel Harland D. Sanders, an early developer of the quick service food business and a pioneer of the restaurant franchise concept. The Colonel perfected his secret blend of 11 herbs and spices for Kentucky Fried Chicken in 1939 and signed up his first franchisee in 1952. KFC restaurants across the world offer fried and non-fried chicken products such as sandwiches, chicken strips, chicken-on-the-bone and other chicken products marketed under a variety of names.
Pizza Hut
The first Pizza Hut restaurant was opened in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas, and within a year, the first franchise unit was opened. Today, Pizza Hut is the largest restaurant chain in the world specializing in the sale of ready-to-eat pizza products. Pizza Hut operates in the delivery, carryout and casual dining segments around the world.
Taco Bell
The first Taco Bell restaurant was opened in 1962 by Glen Bell in Downey, California, and in 1964, the first Taco Bell franchise was sold. Taco Bell specializes in Mexican-style food products, including various types of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, salads, nachos and other related items.
Business Strategy
Through our Recipe for Growth and Good we intend to unlock the growth potential of our Concepts and YUM, drive increased collaboration across our Concepts and geographies and consistently deliver better customer experiences, improved economics and higher rates of growth. Key enablers include accelerated use of technology and better leverage of our systemwide scale.
Our Recipe for Growth is based on four key drivers:
•
Unrivaled Culture and Talent: Leverage our culture and people capability to fuel brand performance and franchise success
•
Unmatched Operating Capability: Recruit and equip the best restaurant operators in the world to deliver great customer experiences
•
Relevant, Easy and Distinctive Brands: Innovate and elevate iconic restaurant brands people trust and champion
•
Bold Restaurant Development: Drive market and franchise expansion with strong economics and value
Our Recipe for Good reflects our global citizenship and sustainability strategy and practices, while reinforcing our public commitment to drive socially responsible growth, risk management and sustainable stewardship of our food, planet and people.
Information about Operating Segments
As of December 31, 2019, YUM consists of three operating segments:
•
The KFC Division which includes the worldwide operations of the KFC concept
•
The Pizza Hut Division which includes the worldwide operations of the Pizza Hut concept
•
The Taco Bell Division which includes the worldwide operations of the Taco Bell concept
Franchise Agreements
The franchise programs of the Company are designed to promote consistency and quality, and the Company is selective in granting franchises. The Company is focused on partnering with franchisees who have the commitment, capability and capitalization to grow our Concepts. Franchisees can range in size from individuals owning just one restaurant to large publicly-traded companies.
The Company utilizes both store-level franchise and master franchise programs to grow its businesses. Of our over 49,000 franchised units at December 31, 2019, approximately 30% operate under our master franchise programs, including over 8,800 units in mainland China. The remainder of our franchise units operate under store-level franchise agreements. Under both types of franchise programs, franchisees supply capital by purchasing or leasing the land, building, equipment, signs, seating, inventories and supplies and, over the longer term, by reinvesting in the business. In certain historical refranchising transactions the Company may have retained ownership of land and building and continues to lease them to the franchisee. Store-level franchise agreements typically require payment to the Company of certain upfront fees such as initial fees paid upon opening of a store, fees paid to renew the term of the franchise agreement and fees paid in the event the franchise agreement is transferred to another franchisee. Franchisees also pay monthly continuing fees based on a percentage of their restaurants' sales (typically 4% - 6%) and are required to spend a certain amount to advertise and promote the brand. Under master franchise arrangements, the Company enters into agreements that allow master franchisees to operate restaurants as well as sub-franchise restaurants within certain geographic territories. Master franchisees are typically responsible for overseeing development within their territories and performing certain other administrative duties with regard to the oversight of sub-franchisees. In exchange, master franchisees retain a certain percentage of fees payable by the sub-franchisees under their franchise agreements and typically pay lower fees for the restaurants they operate. Our largest master franchisee, Yum China, pays the Company a continuing fee of 3% on system sales of our Concepts in mainland China.
The Company seeks to maintain strong and open relationships with its franchisees and their representatives. To this end, the Company invests a significant amount of time working with the franchisee community and their representative organizations on key aspects of the business, including products, equipment, operational improvements and standards and management techniques.
Restaurant Operations
Through its Concepts, YUM develops, operates and franchises a worldwide system of both traditional and non-traditional Quick Service Restaurants ("QSR"). Traditional units can feature dine-in, carryout, drive-thru and delivery services. Non-traditional units include express units and kiosks that have a more limited menu, usually generate lower sales volumes and operate in non-traditional locations like malls, airports, gasoline service stations, train stations, subways, convenience stores, stadiums, amusement parks and colleges, where a full-scale traditional outlet would not be practical or efficient.
Most restaurants in each Concept offer consumers the ability to dine in and/or carryout food. In addition, Taco Bell and KFC offer a drive-thru option in many stores. Pizza Hut offers a drive-thru option on a much more limited basis. Pizza Hut typically offers delivery service, while, on a more limited but expanding basis, KFC and Taco Bell allow for consumers to have the Concepts' food delivered either through store-level or third-party delivery services.
Restaurant management structure varies by Concept and unit size. Generally, each restaurant is led by a restaurant general manager (“RGM”), together with one or more assistant managers, depending on the operating complexity and sales volume of the restaurant. Each Concept issues detailed manuals, which may then be customized to meet local regulations and customs. These manuals set forth standards and requirements for all aspects of restaurant operations, including food safety and quality, food handling and product preparation procedures, equipment maintenance, facility standards and accounting control procedures. The restaurant management teams are responsible for the day-to-day operation of each unit and for ensuring compliance with operating standards. CHAMPS - which stands for Cleanliness, Hospitality, Accuracy, Maintenance, Product Quality and Speed of Service - is our proprietary systemwide program for training, measuring and rewarding employee performance against key customer measures. CHAMPS is intended to align the operating processes of our entire system around one core set of standards. RGMs’ efforts, including CHAMPS performance measures, are monitored by Area Coaches, where sufficient scale allows. Area Coaches typically work with approximately six to twelve restaurants.
Supply and Distribution
The Company and franchisees of the Concepts are substantial purchasers of a number of food and paper products, equipment and other restaurant supplies. The principal items purchased include chicken, cheese, beef and pork products, paper and packaging materials. Prices paid for these supplies fluctuate. When prices increase, the Concepts may attempt to pass on such increases to their customers, although there is no assurance that this can be done practically. The Company does not typically experience significant continuous shortages of supplies, and alternative sources for most of these products are generally available.
In the U.S., the Company, along with the representatives of the Company’s KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell franchisee groups, are members of Restaurant Supply Chain Solutions, LLC (“RSCS"), which is responsible for purchasing certain restaurant products and equipment. The core mission of RSCS is to provide the lowest possible sustainable store-delivered prices for restaurant products and equipment. This arrangement combines the purchasing power of the Company-owned and franchisee restaurants, which the Company believes leverages the system’s scale to drive cost savings and effectiveness in the purchasing function. The Company also believes that RSCS fosters closer alignment of interests and a stronger relationship with its franchisee community.
Most food products, paper and packaging supplies, and equipment used in restaurant operations are distributed to individual restaurant units by third-party distribution companies. In the U.S., McLane Foodservice, Inc. is the exclusive distributor for the majority of items used in Company-owned restaurants and for a substantial number of franchisee stores. Outside the U.S., we and our Concepts' franchisees primarily use decentralized sourcing and distribution systems involving many different global, regional and local suppliers and distributors. Our international franchisees generally select and manage their own third-party suppliers, subject to our internal standards. All suppliers and distributors are expected to provide products/services that comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations in the state and/or country in which they operate as well as comply with our internal standards.
Advertising and Promotional Programs
Company-owned and franchise restaurants are required to spend a percentage of their respective restaurants’ sales on advertising programs with the goal of increasing sales and enhancing the reputation of the Concepts. Advertising may be conducted nationally, regionally and locally. When multiple franchisees operate in the same country or region the national and regional advertising spending is typically conducted by a cooperative to which the franchisees and Company-owned stores, if any, contribute funds as a percentage of restaurants’ sales. The contributions are primarily used to pay for expenses relating to purchasing media for advertising, market research, commercial production, talent payments and other support functions for the respective Concepts. We have the right to control the advertising activities of certain advertising cooperatives, typically in markets where we have Company-owned stores, through our majority voting rights.
Trademarks and Patents
The Company and its Concepts own numerous registered trademarks and service marks. The Company believes that many of these marks, including its Kentucky Fried Chicken®, KFC®, Pizza Hut® and Taco Bell® marks, have significant value and are materially important to its business. The Company’s policy is to pursue registration of its important marks whenever feasible and to oppose vigorously any infringement of its marks.
The use of certain of these marks by franchisees has been authorized in our franchise agreements. Under current law and with proper use, the Company’s rights in its marks can generally last indefinitely. The Company also has certain patents on restaurant equipment which, while valuable, are not currently considered material to its business.
Working Capital
Information about the Company’s working capital is included in MD&A in Part II, Item 7 and the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in Part II, Item 8.
Seasonal Operations
The Company does not consider its operations to be seasonal to any material degree.
Competition
The retail food industry, in which our Concepts compete, is made up of supermarkets, supercenters, warehouse stores, convenience stores, coffee shops, snack bars, delicatessens and restaurants (including those in the QSR segment), and is intensely competitive with respect to price and quality of food products, new product development, digital engagement, advertising levels and promotional initiatives, customer service reputation, restaurant location and attractiveness and maintenance of properties. Competition has also increased from and been enabled by delivery aggregators and other food delivery services in recent years, particularly in urbanized areas. The retail food industry is often affected by changes in consumer tastes; national, regional or local economic conditions; currency fluctuations; demographic trends; traffic patterns; the type, number and location of competing food retailers and products; and disposable purchasing power. Within the retail food industry, each of our Concepts competes with international, national and regional chains as well as locally-owned establishments, not only for customers, but also for management and hourly personnel, suitable real estate sites and qualified franchisees. Given the various types and vast number of competitors, our Concepts do not constitute a significant portion of the retail food industry in terms of number of system units or system sales, either on a worldwide or individual country basis.
Environmental Matters
The Company is not aware of any federal, state or local environmental laws or regulations that will materially affect its earnings or competitive position, or result in material capital expenditures. However, the Company cannot predict the effect on its operations of possible future environmental legislation or regulations. During 2019, there were no material capital expenditures for environmental control facilities and no such material expenditures are anticipated.
Government Regulation
U.S. Operations. The Company and its U.S. operations, as well as our franchisees, are subject to various federal, state and local laws affecting its business, including laws and regulations concerning information security, labor and employment, health, marketing, food labeling, competition, public accommodation, sanitation and safety. Each of our and our Concepts’ franchisees' restaurants in the U.S. must comply with licensing requirements and regulations promulgated by a number of governmental authorities, which include health, sanitation, safety, fire and zoning agencies in the state and/or municipality in which the restaurant is located. In addition, each Concept must comply with various state and federal laws that regulate the franchisor/franchisee relationship. To date, the Company has not been materially adversely affected by such licensing requirements and regulations or by any difficulty, delay or failure to obtain required licenses or approvals.
International Operations. Our and our Concepts' franchisees' restaurants outside the U.S. are subject to national and local laws and regulations which are similar to those affecting U.S. restaurants. The restaurants outside the U.S. are also subject to tariffs and regulations on imported commodities and equipment and laws regulating foreign investment, as well as anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws.
See

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A.
Risk Factors.
You should carefully review the risks described below as they identify important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements and historical trends. Any of the following risk factors, either by itself or together with other risk factors, could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and/or financial condition.
Food safety and food-borne illness concerns may have an adverse effect on our business.
Food-borne illnesses, such as E. coli, Listeria, Salmonella and Trichinosis, occur or may occur within our system from time to time. In addition, food safety issues such as food tampering, contamination and adulteration occur or may occur within our system from time to time. Any report or publicity linking us or one of our Concepts’ restaurants, including restaurants operated by us or our Concepts’ franchisees, or linking our competitors or the retail food industry generally, to instances of food-borne illness or food safety issues could adversely affect our Concepts’ brands and reputations as well as our revenues and profits, and possibly lead to product liability claims, litigation, governmental investigations or actions, and damages. If a customer of one of our Concepts’ restaurants becomes ill from food borne illnesses or as a result of food safety issues, restaurants in our system may be temporarily closed, which could disrupt our operations and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, instances or allegations of food-borne illness or food safety issues, real or perceived, involving our restaurants, restaurants of competitors, or our suppliers or distributors (regardless of whether we use or have used those suppliers or distributors), or otherwise involving the types of food served at our restaurants, could result in negative publicity that could adversely affect either our or our Concepts’ franchisees’ revenues and profits. The occurrence of food-borne illnesses or food safety issues could also adversely affect the price and availability of affected ingredients, which could result in disruptions in our supply chain and/or lower margins for us and our Concepts’ franchisees.
Health concerns arising from the outbreak of a health epidemic or pandemic, including the coronavirus, may have an adverse effect on our business.
Our business could be materially and adversely affected by the outbreak of a widespread health epidemic or pandemic, including arising from various strains of avian flu or swine flu, such as H1N1, or the coronavirus, particularly if located in regions from which we derive a significant amount of revenue or profit. The occurrence of such an outbreak or other adverse public health developments could materially disrupt our business and operations. Such events could also significantly impact our industry and cause a temporary closure of restaurants, which could severely disrupt our or our franchisees' operations and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In late 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus was first detected in Wuhan, China. Following the outbreak of this virus, the Chinese government has quarantined certain affected regions and certain travel restrictions have been imposed. We have a significant number of KFC and Pizza Hut Concept restaurants located in mainland China, operated by our master franchisee, Yum China. Many of our restaurants located within mainland China have been temporarily closed, have shortened operating hours and/or have otherwise been adversely affected by the impact of the coronavirus, and these developments have also impacted the ability of Yum
China's suppliers to provide food and other needed supplies at our Concepts’ restaurants in mainland China. Additionally, other nearby franchisees, such as those in Hong Kong and Taiwan, have experienced significant sales declines as well. We are unable to accurately predict the impact that the coronavirus will have on our results of operations, due to uncertainties including the ultimate geographic spread of the virus within and outside of China, the severity of the disease, the duration of the outbreak, and actions that may be taken by governmental authorities to contain the coronavirus or to treat its impact. However, while it is premature to accurately predict the ultimate impact of these developments, we expect our results for the quarter ending March 31, 2020 to be significantly impacted with potential continuing, adverse impacts beyond March 31, 2020.
In addition, our operations could be disrupted if any of our employees or employees of our business partners were suspected of having the avian flu or swine flu, or other illnesses such as hepatitis A, norovirus or coronavirus, since this could require us or our business partners to quarantine some or all of such employees or disinfect our restaurant facilities. Outbreaks of avian flu occur from time to time around the world, and such outbreaks have resulted in confirmed human cases. It is possible that outbreaks could reach pandemic levels. Public concern over avian flu generally may cause fear about the consumption of chicken, eggs and other products derived from poultry, which could cause customers to consume less poultry and related products. Because poultry is a menu offering for our Concepts, this would likely result in lower revenues and profits for us and our Concepts’ franchisees. Avian flu outbreaks could also adversely affect the price and availability of poultry, which could negatively impact profit margins and revenues for us and our Concepts' franchisees.
Furthermore, other viruses may be transmitted through human contact, and the risk of contracting viruses could cause employees or guests to avoid gathering in public places, which could adversely affect restaurant guest traffic or the ability to adequately staff restaurants. We could also be adversely affected if government authorities impose mandatory closures, seek voluntary closures, impose restrictions on operations of restaurants, or restrict the import or export of products, or if suppliers issue mass recalls of products. Even if such measures are not implemented and a virus or other disease does not spread significantly, the perceived risk of infection or health risk may adversely affect our business and operating results.
Our operating results and growth strategies are closely and increasingly tied to the success of our Concepts’ franchisees.
The vast majority (98%) of our restaurants are operated by our Concepts’ franchisees, and our percentage of franchise-owned restaurants has increased in recent years. Our refranchising efforts have increased our dependence on the financial success and cooperation of our Concepts’ franchisees. In addition, our long-term system sales growth targets depend on maintaining the pace of our net system unit growth rate. Nearly all of this unit growth is expected to result from new unit openings by our Concepts’ franchisees. We increasingly also rely on master franchisees, who have rights to license to sub-franchisees the right to develop and operate restaurants, to achieve our expectations for new unit development. If our Concepts’ franchisees and master franchisees do not meet our expectations for new unit development, we may fall short of our system sales targets. In addition, we have franchise relationships that are particularly important to our business, such as our relationship with Yum China as described in a subsequent risk factor below, our strategic alliance with Telepizza Group S.A., who is the master franchisee of Pizza Hut in Latin America (excluding Brazil) and portions of Europe, and our relationship with certain large franchisees, such as NPC International, Inc. the largest operator of Pizza Hut restaurants in the United States. Any failure to realize the expected benefits of such franchise relationships may adversely impact our business and operating results.
We have limited control over how our Concepts’ franchisees’ businesses are run, and their inability to operate successfully could adversely affect our operating results through decreased fees paid to us for royalties, advertising funds contributions, and other discrete services we may provide to our Concept’s franchisees (e.g. management of e-commerce platform). If our Concepts’ franchisees fail to adequately capitalize their businesses or incur too much debt, if their operating expenses or commodity prices increase or if economic or sales trends deteriorate such that they are unable to operate profitably or repay existing debt, it could result in their financial distress, including insolvency or bankruptcy, or the inability to meet development targets or obligations. If a significant franchisee of one of our Concepts becomes, or a significant number of our Concepts’ franchisees in the aggregate become, financially distressed, our operating results could be impacted through reduced or delayed fee payments that cause us to record bad debt expense, reduced advertising fund contributions, and reduced new unit development. In addition, we are secondarily liable on certain of our Concepts’ franchisees’ restaurant lease agreements, including lease agreements that we have guaranteed or assigned to franchisees in connection with the refranchising of certain Company-owned restaurants. Our operating results could be impacted by any increased rent obligations for such leased properties to the extent our Concepts’ franchisees default on such lease agreements. In addition, the failure of our Concepts’ franchisees to adequately engage in succession planning may adversely affect their restaurant operations and the development of new restaurants, which in turn could hurt our business.
Our success also depends on the willingness and ability of our Concepts’ franchisees to implement marketing programs and major initiatives such as restaurant remodels or equipment or technology upgrades, which may require financial investment. Our Concepts may be unable to successfully implement strategies that we believe are necessary for further growth if their franchisees do not participate, which in turn may harm the growth prospects and financial condition of the Company. Additionally, the failure of our
Concepts’ franchisees to focus on key elements of restaurant operations, such as quality, service and cleanliness (even if such failures do not rise to the level of breaching the related franchise documents) may be attributed by guests to our Concepts’ entire brand and could have a negative impact on our business.
Our reliance on master franchise arrangements can decrease our level of control over our Concepts' restaurants and increase certain risks arising from franchise operations. For example, we rely on our master franchisees to monitor and enforce sub-franchisee compliance with our operating standards, and a failure to comply with such standards could adversely affect our business.
We may not achieve our target development goals, aggressive development could cannibalize existing sales and new restaurants may not be profitable.
Our growth strategy depends on our and our Concepts’ franchisees’ ability to increase the number of restaurants around the world. The successful development of new units depends in large part on the ability of our Concepts’ franchisees to open new restaurants and to operate these restaurants profitably. Effectively managing growth can be challenging, particularly as we expand into new markets internationally, and we cannot guarantee that we, or our Concepts’ franchisees, including Yum China, will be able to achieve our expansion goals or that new restaurants will be operated profitably. Further, there is no assurance that any new restaurant will produce operating results similar to those of our existing restaurants. Other risks that could impact our ability to increase the number of our restaurants include prevailing economic conditions and trade or economic policies or sanctions, our ability to attract new franchisees, construction and development costs of new restaurants, and our, or our Concepts’ franchisees’, ability to obtain suitable restaurant locations, negotiate acceptable lease or purchase terms for the locations, obtain required permits and approvals in a timely manner, hire and train qualified management teams and restaurant crews, and meet construction schedules.
Expansion into markets could also be affected by our Concepts’ franchisees’ willingness to invest capital or ability to obtain financing to construct and open new restaurants. If it becomes more difficult or more expensive for our Concepts’ franchisees to obtain financing to develop new restaurants, or if the perceived return on invested capital is not sufficiently attractive, the expected growth of our system could slow and our future revenues and operating cash flows could be adversely impacted.
In addition, the development of new restaurants could impact the sales of our Concepts’ existing restaurants nearby. There can be no assurance that sales cannibalization will not occur or become more significant in the future as we increase our presence in existing markets.
We have significant exposure to the Chinese market through our largest franchisee, Yum China, which subjects us to risks that could negatively affect our business.
A significant portion of our total business is conducted in mainland China, particularly with respect to our KFC Concept. In connection with the spin-off of our China business in 2016 into an independent publicly-traded company (the "Separation" or “Yum China spin-off”), we entered into a Master License Agreement with Yum China pursuant to which Yum China is the exclusive licensee of the KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell Concepts and their related marks and other intellectual property rights for restaurant services in mainland China. Following the Separation, Yum China became, and continues to be, our largest franchisee. Our financial results are significantly affected by Yum China’s results as we are entitled to receive a 3% sales-based royalty on all Yum China system sales related to our Concepts. Yum China's business is exposed to risks in mainland China, which include, among others, potential political, financial or social instability, changes in economic conditions (including consumer spending, unemployment levels and wage and commodity inflation), consumer preferences, the regulatory environment (including uncertainties with respect to the interpretation and enforcement of Chinese laws, rules and regulations), and tax laws and regulations including the tax treatment of the royalty paid to YUM, as well as increased media scrutiny of our Concepts and industry, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, increased restrictions or tariffs on imported supplies as a result of trade disputes, any epidemics or pandemics arising out of mainland China, and increased competition. Further, any significant or prolonged deterioration in U.S.-China relations could adversely affect our Concepts in mainland China if Chinese consumers reduce the frequency of their visits to Yum China’s restaurants. Chinese law regulates Yum China's business conducted within mainland China. Our royalty income from the Yum China business is therefore subject to numerous uncertainties based on the policies of the Chinese government, as they may change from time to time. If Yum China’s business is harmed or development of our Concepts’ restaurants is slowed in mainland China due to any of these factors, it could negatively impact the royalty paid by Yum China to us, which would negatively impact our financial results or our growth prospects.
Our relationship with Yum China is governed primarily by a Master License Agreement, which may be terminated upon the occurrence of certain events, such as the insolvency or bankruptcy of Yum China. In addition, if we are unable to enforce our intellectual property or contract rights in mainland China, if Yum China is unable or unwilling to satisfy its obligations under the Master License Agreement, or if the Master License Agreement is otherwise terminated, it could result in an interruption in the
operation of our brands that have been exclusively licensed to Yum China for use in mainland China. Such interruption could cause a delay in, or loss of, royalty income to us, which would negatively impact our financial results.
Our international operations subject us to risks that could negatively affect our business.
A significant portion of our Concepts’ restaurants are operated in countries and territories outside of the U.S., including in emerging markets, and we intend to continue expansion of our international operations. As a result, our business and the businesses of our Concepts’ franchisees are increasingly exposed to risks inherent in international operations. These risks, which can vary substantially by country, include political, financial or social instability or conditions, corruption, anti-American sentiment and social and ethnic unrest, as well as changes in economic conditions (including consumer spending, unemployment levels and wage and commodity inflation), the regulatory environment (including the risks of operating in developing or emerging markets in which there are significant uncertainties regarding the interpretation and enforceability of legal requirements and the enforceability of contract rights and intellectual property rights), income and non-income based tax rates and laws, the impact of import restrictions or controls, sanctions, foreign exchange control regimes including restrictions on currency conversion, natural disasters, the impact of labor costs and conditions, consumer preferences and the laws and policies that govern foreign investment in countries where our Concepts' restaurants are operated. For example, we have been subject to a regulatory enforcement action in India alleging violation of foreign exchange laws for failure to satisfy conditions of certain operating approvals, such as minimum investment and store build requirements as well as limitations on the remittance of fees outside of the country (See Note 19). In addition, we and our franchisees do business in jurisdictions that may be subject to trade or economic sanction regimes and such sanctions could be expanded. Any failure to comply with such sanction regimes or other similar laws or regulations could result in the assessment of damages, the imposition of penalties, suspension of business licenses, or a cessation of operations at our or our franchisees’ businesses, as well as damage to our and our Concepts’ brands’ images and reputations, all of which could harm our profitability.
Foreign currency risks and foreign exchange controls could adversely affect our financial results.
Our results of operations and the value of our foreign assets are affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates, which may adversely affect reported earnings. More specifically, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies, such as the Chinese Renminbi (“RMB”), Australian Dollar, the British Pound and the Euro, as well as currencies in certain other markets, such as the Malaysian Ringgit and Russian Ruble, could have an adverse effect on our reported earnings. There can be no assurance as to the future effect of any such changes on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. In addition, the governments in certain countries where we operate, including China, restrict the conversion of local currency into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of the country. Yum China’s income is almost exclusively derived from the earnings of its Chinese subsidiaries, with substantially all revenues of its Chinese subsidiaries denominated in RMB. Any significant fluctuation in the value of the RMB could materially impact the U.S. dollar value of royalty payments made to us by Yum China, which could result in lower revenues. In addition, restrictions on the conversion of RMB to U.S. dollars or further restrictions on the remittance of currency out of China could result in delays in the remittance of Yum China’s royalty, which could impact our liquidity.
Failure to protect the integrity and security of personal information of our customers and employees could result in substantial costs, expose us to litigation and damage our reputation.
We receive and maintain certain personal, financial and other information about our customers, employees, vendors and franchisees. In addition, our vendors and/or franchisees receive and maintain certain personal, financial and other information about our employees and customers. The use and handling of this information is regulated by evolving and increasingly demanding laws and regulations in various jurisdictions, as well as by certain third-party contracts. We have experienced cyber- attacks and security breaches from time to time. If our security and information systems are compromised as a result of data corruption or loss, cyber-attack or a network security incident or if our employees, franchisees or vendors fail to comply with these laws and regulations and this information is obtained by unauthorized persons or used inappropriately, it could result in liabilities and penalties and could damage our reputation, cause us to incur substantial costs and result in a loss of customer confidence, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Additionally, we could be subject to litigation and government enforcement actions as a result of any such failure.
Further, data privacy is subject to frequently changing rules and regulations, which sometimes conflict among the various jurisdictions and countries where we, our Concepts and our Concepts’ franchisees do business. For example, the General Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR"), which was adopted by the European Union effective May 2018, requires companies to meet new requirements regarding the handling of personal data. In addition, the State of California enacted the California Consumer Privacy Act (the “CCPA”), which became effective January 2020 and requires companies that process information on California residents to, among other things, provide new disclosures and options to consumers about data collection, use and sharing practices.
Moreover, each of the GDPR and the CCPA confer a private right-of-action on certain individuals and associations. Our failure to adhere to or successfully implement appropriate processes to adhere to the requirements of GDPR, CCPA and other evolving laws and regulations in this area could result in financial penalties, legal liability and could damage our and our Concepts’ brands’ reputations.
Unreliable or inefficient restaurant or consumer-facing technology or the failure to successfully implement technology initiatives in the future could adversely impact operating results.
We and our Concepts’ franchisees rely heavily on information technology systems in the conduct of our business, some of which are managed, hosted, provided and/or used by third parties, including, for example, point-of-sale processing in our restaurants, management of our supply chain, and various other processes and procedures. These systems are subject to damage, interruption or failure due to theft, fire, power outages, telecommunications failure, computer viruses, security breaches, malicious cyber-attacks or other catastrophic events. Certain technology systems may also be unreliable or inefficient, and technology vendors may limit or terminate product support and maintenance, which could impact the reliability of critical systems operations. If our or our Concepts' franchisees' information technology systems are damaged or fail to function properly, we may incur substantial costs to repair or replace them, and may experience loss of critical data and interruptions or delays in our ability to manage inventories or process transactions, which could result in lost sales, customer or employee dissatisfaction, or negative publicity that could negatively impact our reputation, results of operations and financial condition.
We and our Concepts’ franchisees rely on technology not only to efficiently operate our restaurants but also to drive the customer experience, sales growth and margin improvement. Execution of our growth strategy will be dependent on our initiatives to implement proprietary and third-party technology solutions and gather and leverage data to enhance restaurant operations and improve the customer experience. We may not be able recruit and retain qualified individuals for these efforts, and there is intense competition for qualified technology systems developers necessary to develop and implement new technologies for our growth initiatives, including increasing our digital relationships with customers. Our strategic technology initiatives may not be implemented in a timely manner or may not achieve the desired results. Even if we effectively implement and manage our technology initiatives, they may not result in sales growth or margin improvement. Additionally, implementing the evolving technology demands of the consumer may place a significant financial burden on us and our Concepts’ franchisees. Moreover, our failure to adequately invest in new technology or adapt to technological developments and industry trends, particularly with respect to digital commerce capabilities, could result in a loss of customers and related market share. If our Concepts’ digital commerce platforms do not meet customers’ expectations in terms of security, speed, attractiveness or ease of use, customers may be less inclined to return to such digital commerce platforms, which could negatively impact our business.
There are risks associated with our increasing dependence on digital commerce platforms to maintain and grow sales. Such platforms may experience disruptions, which could harm our ability to compete and conduct our business.
Customers are increasingly using e-commerce websites and apps, both domestically and internationally, like pizzahut.com, Pizza Hut, KFC and Taco Bell apps, as well as apps owned by third-party delivery aggregators such as Grubhub and third-party mobile payment processors, to order and pay for our Concepts’ products. As a result, our Concepts and our Concepts’ franchisees are increasingly reliant on digital ordering and payment as a sales channel. These digital ordering and payment platforms could be damaged or interrupted by power loss, technological failures, user errors, cyber-attacks, other forms of sabotage or acts of God. In particular, Pizza Hut relies on digital orders for a significant portion of its sales and could experience and has experienced interruptions of its digital ordering platforms, which limited or delayed customers’ ability to order through such platforms or made customers less inclined to return to such platforms. Any such limitation or delay would negatively impact Pizza Hut’s sales and customer experience and perception.
Yum China, our largest franchisee, utilizes third-party mobile payment apps such as Alipay and WeChat as a means through which to generate sales and process payments. Should customers become unable to access mobile payment apps in China, or should the relationship between Yum China and one or more third-party mobile payment processors become interrupted, our results of operations could be negatively impacted.
Our inability or failure to recognize, respond to and effectively manage the accelerated impact of social media could adversely impact our business.
In recent years, there has been a marked increase in the use of social media platforms, including blogs, chat platforms, social media websites, and other forms of Internet-based communications which allow individuals access to a broad audience of consumers and other interested persons. The rising popularity of social media and other consumer-oriented technologies has increased the speed and accessibility of information dissemination. Many social media platforms immediately publish the content their subscribers and participants post, often without filters or checks on accuracy of the content posted. Information posted on such
platforms at any time may be adverse to our interests and/or may be inaccurate. The dissemination of information online could harm our business, reputation, financial condition, and results of operations, regardless of the information’s accuracy. The damage may be immediate without affording us an opportunity for redress or correction.
In addition, social media is frequently used by our Concepts to communicate with their respective customers and the public in general. Failure by our Concepts to use social media effectively or appropriately, particularly as compared to our Concepts’ respective competitors, could lead to a decline in brand value, customer visits and revenue. Other risks associated with the use of social media include improper disclosure of proprietary information, negative comments about our Concepts’ brands, exposure of personally identifiable information, fraud, hoaxes or malicious dissemination of false information. The inappropriate use of social media by our customers or employees could increase our costs, lead to litigation or result in negative publicity that could damage our reputation and adversely affect our results of operations.
Shortages or interruptions in the availability and delivery of food and other supplies may increase costs or reduce revenues.
The products sold by our Concepts and their franchisees are sourced from a wide variety of domestic and international suppliers although certain products have limited suppliers, which increases our reliance on those suppliers. We, along with our Concepts’ franchisees, are also dependent upon third parties to make frequent deliveries of food products and supplies that meet our specifications at competitive prices. Shortages or interruptions in the supply of food items and other supplies to our Concepts’ restaurants have happened from time to time and could adversely affect the availability, quality and cost of items we use and the operations of our restaurants. Future shortages or disruptions could be caused by inclement weather, natural disasters, inaccurate forecasting of customer demand, problems in production or distribution, restrictions on imports or exports including due to trade disputes, the inability of vendors to obtain credit, political instability in the countries in which the suppliers and distributors are located, the financial instability of suppliers and distributors, suppliers’ or distributors’ failure to meet our standards or requirements, transitioning to new suppliers or distributors, product quality issues, inflation, other factors relating to the suppliers and distributors and the countries in which they are located, food safety warnings or advisories or the prospect of such pronouncements, product recalls, the cancellation of supply or distribution agreements or an inability to renew such arrangements or to find replacements on commercially reasonable terms, or other conditions beyond our control or the control of our Concepts’ franchisees.
Moreover, the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union which occurred effective as of January 31, 2020, to be followed by a transition period which is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2020 (unless otherwise extended) in which the United Kingdom and the European Union will negotiate the terms of this withdrawal, may give to rise to economic, financial, legal, tax and trade uncertainties that may adversely impact us and could, depending on the terms negotiated during the transition period, result in the reimposition of customs and border controls, which in turn may result in shortages or interruptions in supply to our Concepts in the United Kingdom with consequences similar to those described above.
In addition, in the U.S., the Company, along with representatives of the Company’s KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell franchisee groups, are members of Restaurant Supply Chain Solutions, LLC (“RSCS"), which is a third-party responsible for purchasing certain restaurant products and equipment, and McLane Foodservice, Inc. ("McLane") serves as the largest distributor for each of the Company’s Concepts in the U.S. Any failure or inability of our significant suppliers or distributors, including RSCS or McLane to perform could result in shortages or interruptions in the availability of food and other supplies.
A shortage or interruption in the availability of certain food products or supplies could increase costs and limit the availability of products critical to restaurant operations, which in turn could lead to restaurant closures and/or a decrease in sales. In addition, failure by a key supplier or distributor for our Concepts and/or our Concepts’ franchisees to meet its service requirements could lead to a disruption of service or supply until a new supplier or distributor is engaged, and any disruption could have an adverse effect on our business.
The loss of key personnel, or labor shortages or difficulty finding qualified employees could slow our growth, harm our business and reduce our profitability.
Much of our future success depends on the continued availability and service of senior management personnel. The loss of any of our executive officers or other key senior management personnel could harm our business.
In addition, our restaurant operations are highly service-oriented and our success depends in part upon our and our Concepts’ franchisees’ ability to attract, retain and motivate a sufficient number of qualified employees, including franchisee management, restaurant managers and other crew members. The market for qualified employees in the retail food industry is very competitive. Any future inability to recruit and retain qualified individuals may delay our planned use, development or deployment of technology or the planned openings of new restaurants by us and our Concepts’ franchisees which could have a material adverse impact on the operation of our Concepts’ existing restaurants.
In addition, strikes, work slowdowns or other job actions may become more common. In the event of a strike, work slowdown or other labor unrest, the ability to adequately staff our Concepts’ restaurants could be impaired, which could result in reduced revenue and customer claims, and may distract our management from focusing on our business and strategic priorities.
Changes in labor and other operating costs could adversely affect our and our franchisees’ results of operations.
An increase in the costs of employee wages, benefits and insurance (including workers’ compensation, general liability, property and health) as well as other operating costs such as rent and energy costs could adversely affect our and our franchisees’ operating results. Such increases could result from general economic or competitive conditions or from government imposition of higher minimum wages at the federal, state or local level. Moreover, there may be a long-term trend toward higher wages in developing markets Any increase in such operating expenses could adversely affect our and our Concepts’ franchisees’ profit margins. In addition, competition for qualified employees could also compel us or our Concepts’ franchisees to pay higher wages to attract or retain key crew members, which could result in higher labor costs and decreased profitability.
An increase in food prices may have an adverse impact on our and our Concepts’ franchisees’ profit margins.
Our and our Concepts’ franchisees’ businesses depend on reliable sources of large quantities of raw materials such as proteins (including poultry, pork, beef and seafood), cheese, oil, flour and vegetables (including potatoes and lettuce). Raw materials purchased for use in our Concepts’ restaurants are subject to price volatility caused by any fluctuation in aggregate supply and demand, or other external conditions, such as weather conditions, or natural events or disasters that affect expected harvests of such raw materials, taxes and tariffs (including as a result of trade disputes), industry demand, food safety concerns, product recalls, governmental regulation and other factors, all of which are beyond our control and in many instances are unpredictable. As a result, the historical prices of raw materials used in the operation of our Concepts’ restaurants have fluctuated. We cannot assure that we or our Concepts’ franchisees will continue to be able to purchase raw materials at reasonable prices, or that the cost of raw materials will remain stable in the future. In addition, a significant increase in gasoline prices could result in the imposition of fuel surcharges by our distributors.
Because we and our Concepts’ franchisees provide competitively priced food, we may not have the ability to pass through to our customers the full amount of any commodity price increases. If we and our Concepts’ franchisees are unable to manage the cost of raw materials or to increase the prices of products proportionately, our and our franchisees’ profit margins may be adversely impacted.
Our Concepts’ brands may be harmed or diluted through franchisee and third-party activity.
Although we monitor and regulate franchisee activities through our Concepts’ franchise agreements, franchisees or other third parties may refer to or make statements about our Concepts’ brands that do not make proper use of our trademarks or required designations, that improperly alter trademarks or branding, or that are critical of our Concepts’ brands or place our Concepts’ brands in a context that may tarnish their reputation. This may result in dilution of, or harm to, our intellectual property or the value of our Concepts’ brands.
Franchisee noncompliance with the terms and conditions of our franchise agreements may reduce the overall goodwill of our Concepts’ brands, whether through the failure to meet health and safety standards, engage in quality control or maintain product consistency, or through the participation in improper or objectionable business practices. Moreover, unauthorized third parties, including our Concepts’ current and former franchisees, may use our intellectual property to trade on the goodwill of our Concepts’ brands, resulting in consumer confusion or brand dilution. Any reduction of our Concepts’ brands’ goodwill, consumer confusion, or brand dilution is likely to impact sales, and could materially and adversely impact our business and results of operations.
Our success depends substantially on our corporate reputation and on the value and perception of our brands.
Our success depends in large part upon our ability and our Concepts’ franchisees’ ability to maintain and enhance the value of our brands and our customers’ loyalty to our brands. Brand value is based in part on consumer perceptions on a variety of subjective qualities. Those perceptions are affected by a variety of factors, including the nutritional content and preparation of our food, the ingredients we use, and the manner in which we source the commodities we use. Consumer acceptance of our offerings is subject to change for a variety of reasons, and some changes can occur rapidly. For example, nutritional, health and other scientific studies and conclusions, which constantly evolve and may have contradictory implications, drive popular opinion, litigation and regulation (including initiatives intended to drive consumer behavior) in ways that may affect perceptions of our Concepts’ brands generally or relative to available alternatives. In addition, business incidents, whether isolated or recurring, and whether originating from us, our Concepts’ restaurants, franchisees, competitors, governments, suppliers or distributors, can significantly reduce brand value
and consumer trust, particularly if the incidents receive considerable publicity or result in litigation or investigations. For example, our Concepts’ brands could be damaged by claims or perceptions about the quality or safety of our products or the quality or reputation of our suppliers, distributors or franchisees or that we, our Concepts’ franchisees or other business partners are acting in an unethical, illegal, racially-biased or socially irresponsible manner, regardless of whether such claims or perceptions are true. Similarly, entities in our supply chain may engage in conduct, including alleged human rights abuses or environmental wrongdoing, and any such conduct could damage our or our Concepts’ brands’ reputations. Any such incidents (even if resulting from actions of a competitor or franchisee) could cause a decline directly or indirectly in consumer confidence in, or the perception of, our Concepts’ brands and/or our products and reduce consumer demand for our products, which would likely result in lower revenues and profits. Additionally, our corporate reputation could suffer from a real or perceived failure of corporate governance or misconduct by a Company officer, or an employee or representative of us or a franchisee.
We could be party to litigation that could adversely affect us by increasing our expenses, diverting management attention or subjecting us to significant monetary damages and other remedies.
We are regularly involved in legal proceedings, which include regulatory claims or disputes, consumer, personal injury, claims from franchisees employment, real estate related, tort, intellectual property, breach of contract, securities, derivative and other litigation. See the discussion of legal proceedings in Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. Plaintiffs in these types of lawsuits often seek recovery of very large or indeterminate amounts, lawsuits are subject to inherent uncertainties (some of which are beyond the Company’s control), and unfavorable rulings or developments could occur. Moreover, regardless of whether any such claims have merit, or whether we are ultimately held liable or settle, such litigation may be expensive to defend, may divert resources and management attention away from our operations, and may negatively impact our results of operations. With respect to insured claims, a judgment for monetary damages in excess of any insurance coverage could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. Moreover, any adverse publicity resulting from these allegations may also adversely affect our Concepts’ reputations, which in turn could adversely affect our results of operations.
In addition, the restaurant industry around the world has been subject to claims that relate to the nutritional content of food products, as well as claims that the menus and practices of restaurant chains have led to customer health issues, including weight gain and other adverse effects. We may also be subject to such claims in the future and, even if we are not, publicity about these matters (particularly directed at the quick service and fast-casual segments of the retail food industry) may harm our Concepts’ reputations and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, these could lead to an increase in the regulation of the content or marketing of our products, including legislation or regulation seeking to tax and/or regulate high-fat foods, foods with high sugar and salt content, or foods otherwise deemed to be “unhealthy,” which could increase costs of compliance and remediation to us and our franchisees.
Changes in, or noncompliance with, governmental regulations may adversely affect our business operations, growth prospects or financial condition.
The Company, and our Concepts and their franchisees, are subject to numerous laws and regulations around the world. These laws change regularly and are increasingly complex. For example, we are subject to:
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The Americans with Disabilities Act in the U.S. and similar state laws that give civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities in the context of employment, public accommodations and other areas.
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The U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act, which governs matters such as minimum wages, overtime and other working conditions, as well as family leave mandates and a variety of similar state laws that govern these and other employment law matters.
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Laws and regulations in government-mandated health care benefits such as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in the U.S.
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Laws and regulations relating to nutritional content, nutritional labeling, product safety, product marketing and menu labeling.
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Laws relating to state and local licensing.
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Laws relating to the relationship between franchisors and franchisees.
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Laws and regulations relating to health, sanitation, food, workplace safety, child labor, including laws regulating the use of certain “hazardous equipment”, building and zoning, and fire safety and prevention.
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Laws and regulations relating to union organizing rights and activities.
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Laws relating to information security, privacy (including the European Union's GDPR and California's CCPA), cashless payments, and consumer protection.
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Laws relating to currency conversion or exchange.
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Laws relating to international trade and sanctions.
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Tax laws and regulations.
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Anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws.
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Environmental laws and regulations.
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Federal and state immigration laws and regulations in the U.S.
Compliance with new or existing laws and regulations could impact our or our Concepts’ franchisees’ operations. The compliance costs associated with these laws and regulations could be substantial. In addition, if any governmental authority were to adopt and implement a broader standard for determining when two or more otherwise unrelated employers may be found to be a joint employer of the same employees under laws such as the National Labor Relations Act in a manner that is applied generally to franchise relationships (which broader standards in the past have been adopted by U.S. governmental agencies such as the National Labor Relations Board), this could cause us or our Concepts to be liable or held responsible for unfair labor practices and other violations and could subject our Concepts to other liabilities, and/or require our Concepts to conduct collective bargaining negotiations, regarding employees of totally separate, independent employers, most notably our Concepts’ franchisees. Further, a recently-enacted law in California sets out an employment classification test that established a new standard for determining employee or independent contractor status. This law and any similar laws enacted at the federal, state or local level, could increase our and our franchisees’ labor costs and decrease profitability or could cause our franchisees to be deemed employees of our Concepts.
Any failure or alleged failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations could adversely affect our reputation, international expansion efforts, growth prospects and financial results or result in, among other things, litigation, revocation of required licenses, internal investigations, governmental investigations or proceedings, administrative enforcement actions, fines and civil and criminal liability. Publicity relating to any such noncompliance could also harm our Concepts’ reputations and adversely affect our revenues.
Additionally, we are working to manage the risks and costs to us, our franchisees and our supply chain of the effects of climate change, greenhouse gases, and diminishing energy and water resources. These risks include the increased public focus, including by governmental and nongovernmental organizations, on these and other environmental sustainability matters, such as packaging and waste, animal health and welfare, deforestation and land use. These risks also include the increased pressure to make commitments, set targets, or establish additional goals and take actions to meet them. These risks could expose us to market, operational, reputational and execution costs or risks.
Failure to comply with anti-bribery or anti-corruption laws could adversely affect our business operations.
The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Act and other similar applicable laws prohibiting bribery of government officials and other corrupt practices are the subject of increasing emphasis and enforcement around the world. There can be no assurance that our employees, contractors, agents or other third parties will not take actions in violation of our policies or applicable law, particularly as we expand our operations in emerging markets and elsewhere. Any such violations or suspected violations could subject us to civil or criminal penalties, including substantial fines and significant investigation costs, and could also materially damage our reputation, brands, international expansion efforts and growth prospects, business and operating results. Publicity relating to any noncompliance or alleged noncompliance could also harm our Concepts’ reputations and adversely affect our revenues and results of operations.
Tax matters, including changes in tax rates or laws, disagreements with taxing authorities, imposition of new taxes and our restructurings could impact our results of operations and financial condition.
We are subject to income taxes as well as non-income based taxes, such as payroll, sales, use, value-added, net worth, property, withholding and franchise taxes in both the U.S. and various foreign jurisdictions. We are also subject to ongoing and/or regular reviews, examinations and audits by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and other taxing authorities with respect to such income and non-income based taxes inside and outside of the U.S. Our accruals for tax liabilities are based on past experience, interpretations of applicable law, and judgments about potential actions by tax authorities, but such accruals require significant judgment which may be incorrect and may result in payments greater than the amounts accrued. If the IRS or another taxing authority disagrees with our tax positions, we could face additional tax liabilities, including interest and penalties. Payment of additional amounts upon final settlement or adjudication of any disputes could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position.
In addition, we are directly and indirectly affected by new tax laws and regulation and the interpretation of tax laws and regulations worldwide. Changes in laws, regulation or interpretation of existing laws and regulations in the U.S. and other jurisdictions where we are subject to taxation could increase our taxes and have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Changes in tax laws may arise as a result of tax policy guidance issued by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”), a coalition of member nations including the United States. The OECD guidance, referred to as the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (“BEPS”) Action Plan, does not have the force of law, but certain countries may enact tax legislation,
modify tax treaties, and/or increase audit scrutiny based on the BEPS guidance. To the extent BEPS principles are adopted by major jurisdictions in which we operate, it could increase our taxes and have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial position. We have in the past and may in the future adapt our entity and operating structure in response to and in compliance with changes in tax laws, regulations, or interpretation of existing laws and regulations. Such restructurings could result in material incremental tax costs associated with restructuring transactions or operations of the structure. In addition, public perception that we are not paying a sufficient amount of taxes could damage our Concepts’ reputations, which could harm our profitability.
The Yum China spin-off and certain related transactions could result in substantial U.S. tax liability.
We received opinions of outside counsel substantially to the effect that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Yum China spin-off and certain related transactions qualified as generally tax-free under Sections 355 and 361 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. The opinions relied on various facts and assumptions, as well as certain representations as to factual matters and undertakings (including with respect to future conduct) made by Yum China and us. If any of these facts, assumptions, representations or undertakings are incorrect or not satisfied, we may not be able to rely on these opinions of outside counsel. Accordingly, notwithstanding receipt of the opinions of outside counsel, the conclusions reached in the tax opinions may be challenged by the IRS. Because the opinions are not binding on the IRS or the courts, there can be no assurance that the IRS or the courts will not prevail in any such challenge.
If, notwithstanding receipt of any opinion, the IRS were to conclude that the Yum China spin-off was taxable, in general, we would recognize taxable gain as if we had sold the Yum China common stock in a taxable sale for its fair market value. In addition, each U.S. holder of our Common Stock who received shares of Yum China common stock in connection with the spin-off transaction would generally be treated as having received a taxable distribution of property in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares of Yum China common stock received. That distribution would be taxable to each such U.S. stockholder as a dividend to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. For each such U.S. stockholder, any amount that exceeded our earnings and profits would be treated first as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of such stockholder’s tax basis in our shares of Common Stock with any remaining amount being taxed as a capital gain.
The Yum China spin-off may be subject to China indirect transfer tax.
In February 2015, the Chinese State Administration of Taxation (“SAT”) issued the Bulletin on Several Issues of Enterprise Income Tax on Income Arising from Indirect Transfers of Property by Non-resident Enterprises (“Bulletin 7”). Pursuant to Bulletin 7, an “indirect transfer” of Chinese taxable assets, including equity interests in a China resident enterprise (“Chinese interests”), by a non-resident enterprise, may be recharacterized and treated as a direct transfer of Chinese taxable assets, if such arrangement does not have reasonable commercial purpose and the transferor has avoided payment of Chinese enterprise income tax. Using general anti-tax avoidance provisions, the SAT may treat an indirect transfer as a direct transfer of Chinese interests if the transfer has avoided Chinese tax by way of an arrangement without reasonable commercial purpose. As a result, gains derived from such indirect transfer may be subject to Chinese enterprise income tax, and the transferee or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer would be obligated to withhold the applicable taxes, currently at a rate of up to 10% of the capital gain in the case of an indirect transfer of equity interests in a China resident enterprise.
We evaluated the potential applicability of Bulletin 7 in connection with the Separation in the form of a tax free restructuring and believe it is more likely than not that Bulletin 7 does not apply. We believe that the restructuring has reasonable commercial purpose.
However, there are significant uncertainties regarding what constitutes a reasonable commercial purpose, how the safe harbor provisions for group restructurings are to be interpreted and how the Chinese tax authorities will ultimately view the spin-off. As a result, our position could be challenged by the Chinese tax authorities resulting in a tax at a rate of 10% assessed on the difference between the fair market value and the tax basis of Yum China. As our tax basis in Yum China was minimal, the amount of such a tax could be significant and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and our financial condition.
Failure to protect our service marks or other intellectual property could harm our business.
We regard our Yum®, KFC®, Pizza Hut®, and Taco Bell® service marks, and other service marks and trademarks related to our restaurant businesses, as having significant value and being important to our marketing efforts. We rely on a combination of protections provided by contracts, copyrights, patents, trademarks, service marks and other common law rights, such as trade secret and unfair competition laws, to protect our restaurants and services from infringement. We have registered certain trademarks and service marks in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions. However, from time to time we become aware of names and marks identical or confusingly similar to our service marks being used by other persons. Although our policy is to oppose any such infringement,
further or unknown unauthorized uses or other misappropriation of our trademarks or service marks could diminish the value of our brands and adversely affect our business. In addition, effective intellectual property protection may not be available in every country in which our Concepts have, or may in the future open or franchise, a restaurant, and the laws of some foreign countries do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. There can be no assurance that the steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property or the legal protections which may be available will be adequate, and defending or enforcing our service marks and other intellectual property could result in the expenditure of significant resources or result in significant harm to our business, reputation, financial condition, and results of operations. We may also face claims of infringement that could interfere with the use of the proprietary know-how, recipes, or trade secrets used in our business. Defending against such claims may be costly, and we may be prohibited from using such proprietary information in the future or forced to pay damages, royalties, or other fees for using such proprietary information, any of which could negatively affect our business, reputation, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our business may be adversely impacted by changes in consumer discretionary spending and general economic conditions.
Our and our franchisees' results of operations are dependent upon discretionary spending by consumers, which may be affected by general economic conditions globally or in one or more of the markets we serve, and are susceptible to economic slowdowns and recessions. Some of the factors that impact discretionary consumer spending include unemployment and underemployment rates, fluctuations in the level of disposable income, the price of gasoline and other inflationary pressures, stock market performance and changes in the level of consumer confidence. These and other macroeconomic factors could have an adverse effect on our or our franchisees’ sales, profitability or development plans, which could harm our financial condition and operating results.
The retail food industry in which we operate is highly competitive.
Our Concept restaurants compete with international, national and regional restaurant chains as well as locally-owned restaurants, and the retail food industry in which our Concepts operate is highly competitive with respect to price and quality of food products, new product development, digital engagement, advertising levels and promotional initiatives (including the frequent use by our competitors of price discounting, such as through value meal menu options, coupons and other methods), customer service, reputation, restaurant location, and attractiveness and maintenance of properties. In addition, our Concepts compete within the retail food industry for management and hourly personnel, suitable real estate sites, and qualified franchisees. If consumer or dietary preferences change, if our marketing efforts and/or launch of new products are unsuccessful, or if our Concepts’ restaurants are unable to compete successfully with other retail food outlets in new and existing markets, our and our franchisees' businesses could be adversely affected. We also face growing competition as a result of convergence in grocery, convenience, deli and restaurant services, including the offering by the grocery industry of convenient meals, including pizzas and entrees with side dishes. Competition from delivery aggregators and other food delivery services has also increased in recent years, particularly in urbanized areas, and is expected to continue to increase. Increased competition could have an adverse effect on sales, profitability or development plans, which could harm our or our franchisees’ financial condition and operating results.
We may not realize the anticipated benefits from past or potential future acquisitions, investments or other strategic transactions.
From time to time we evaluate and may complete mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, strategic partnerships, minority investments (which may include minority investments in third parties, such as franchisees or master franchisees) and other strategic transactions, including our pending acquisition of The Habit Restaurants, Inc. (in respect of which a definitive agreement was signed in January 2020), our strategic alliance with Telepizza Group S.A. effectuated in December 2018, our acquisition of QuikOrder, LLC completed in December 2018 and our minority investment in Grubhub, Inc. completed in April 2018. While we currently contemplate that the acquisition of The Habit Restaurants, Inc. will be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2020, there is no guarantee that this acquisition will be completed on this time frame or at all.
Past and potential future strategic transactions may involve various inherent risks, including, without limitation:
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expenses, delays or difficulties in integrating acquired companies, joint venture operations, strategic partnerships or investments into our organization, including the failure to realize expected synergies and/or the inability to retain key personnel;
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diversion of management’s attention from other initiatives and/or day-to-day operations to effectively execute our growth strategy;
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inability to generate sufficient revenue, profit, and cash flow from acquired companies, joint ventures, strategic partnerships or investments;
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the possibility that we have acquired substantial contingent or unanticipated liabilities in connection with acquisitions or other strategic transactions; and
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the possibility that investments we have made may decline significantly in value.
Past and potential future strategic transactions may not ultimately create value for us and may harm our reputation and materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we account for certain investments, including our investment in Grubhub, on a mark-to-market basis and, as a result, changes in the fair value of these investments impact our reported results. Changes in market prices for equity securities are unpredictable, and our investment in Grubhub has caused, and could continue to cause, significant fluctuations in our results of operations.
Our substantial indebtedness makes us more sensitive to adverse economic conditions, may limit our ability to plan for or respond to significant changes in our business, and requires a significant amount of cash to service our debt payment obligations that we may be unable to generate or obtain.
As of December 31, 2019, our total outstanding short-term borrowings and long-term debt was approximately $10.6 billion. Subject to the limits contained in the agreements governing our outstanding indebtedness, we may incur additional debt from time to time, which would increase the risks related to our high level of indebtedness.
Specifically, our high level of indebtedness could have important potential consequences, including, but not limited to:
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increasing our vulnerability to, and reducing our flexibility to plan for and respond to, adverse economic and industry conditions and changes in our business and the competitive environment;
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requiring the dedication of a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to the payment of principal of, and interest on, indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of such cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, dividends, share repurchases or other corporate purposes;
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increasing our vulnerability to a downgrade of our credit rating, which could adversely affect our cost of funds, liquidity and access to capital markets;
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restricting us from making strategic acquisitions or causing us to make non-strategic divestitures;
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placing us at a disadvantage compared to other less leveraged competitors or competitors with comparable debt at more favorable interest rates;
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increasing our exposure to the risk of increased interest rates insofar as current and future borrowings are subject to variable rates of interest;
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increasing our exposure to the risk of discontinuance, replacement or modification of certain reference rates, including LIBOR, which are used to calculate applicable interest rates of our indebtedness and certain derivative instruments that hedge interest rate risk;
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making it more difficult for us to repay, refinance or satisfy our obligations with respect to our debt;
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limiting our ability to borrow additional funds in the future and increasing the cost of any such borrowing;
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imposing restrictive covenants on our operations as the result of the terms of our indebtedness, which, if not complied with, could result in an event of default, which in turn, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of the applicable debt, and may result in the acceleration of any other debt to which a cross-acceleration or cross-default provision applies; and
•
increasing our exposure to risks related to fluctuations in foreign currency as we earn profits in a variety of currencies around the world and our debt is primarily denominated in U.S. dollars.
There is no assurance that we will generate cash flow from operations or that future debt or equity financings will be available to us to enable us to pay our indebtedness or to fund other liquidity needs. If our business does not generate sufficient cash flow from operations or if future borrowings are not available to us in amounts sufficient to pay our indebtedness or to fund other liquidity needs, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected. As a result, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before maturity. There is no assurance that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on favorable terms, or at all. Any inability to generate sufficient cash flow or refinance our indebtedness on favorable terms could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

---

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments.
The Company has received no written comments regarding its periodic or current reports from the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission that were issued 180 days or more preceding the end of its 2019 fiscal year and that remain unresolved.

---

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2.
Properties.
As of year end 2019, the Company’s Concepts owned land, building or both for 337 restaurants worldwide in connection with the operation of our 913 Company-owned restaurants. These restaurants are further detailed as follows:
•
The KFC Division owned land, building or both for 73 restaurants.
•
The Pizza Hut Division owned land, building or both for 5 restaurants.
•
The Taco Bell Division owned land, building or both for 259 restaurants.
The Company currently also owns land, building or both related to approximately 500 restaurants and leases land, building or both related to approximately 400 restaurants, not included in the property counts above, that it leases or subleases to franchisees, principally in the U.S., United Kingdom, Australia, Germany and France.
Company-owned restaurants in the U.S. with leases are generally leased for initial terms of 15 or 20 years and generally have renewal options; however, Pizza Hut delivery/carryout units in the U.S. generally are leased for significantly shorter initial terms with shorter renewal options. Company-owned restaurants outside the U.S. with leases have initial lease terms and renewal options that vary by country.
The KFC Division and Pizza Hut Division corporate headquarters and a KFC and Pizza Hut research facility in Plano, Texas are owned by Pizza Hut. Taco Bell leases its corporate headquarters and research facility in Irvine, California. The YUM corporate headquarters and a KFC research facility in Louisville, Kentucky are owned by KFC. Additional information about the Company’s properties is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8.
The Company believes that its properties are generally in good operating condition and are suitable for the purposes for which they are being used.

---

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings.
The Company is subject to various lawsuits covering a variety of allegations. The Company believes that the ultimate liability, if any, in excess of amounts already provided for these matters in the Consolidated Financial Statements, is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s annual results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. Matters faced by the Company include, but are not limited to, claims from franchisees, suppliers, employees, customers, governments and others related to operational, foreign exchange, tax, franchise, contractual or employment issues as well as claims that the Company has infringed on third-party intellectual property rights. In addition, the Company brings claims from time-to-time relating to infringement of, or challenges to, our intellectual property, including registered marks. Finally, as a publicly-traded company, disputes arise from time-to-time with our shareholders, including allegations that the Company breached federal securities laws or that officers and/or directors breached fiduciary duties. Descriptions of significant current specific claims and contingencies appear in Note 19, Contingencies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, which is incorporated by reference into this item.

---

ITEM 4. RESERVED
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
Executive Officers of the Registrant.
The executive officers of the Company as of February 19, 2020, and their ages and current positions as of that date are as follows:
David Gibbs, 56, is Chief Executive Officer of YUM a position he has held since January 2020. Prior to that, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer from August 2019 to December 2019, as President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer from January 2019 to August 2019 and as President and Chief Financial Officer from May 2016 to December 2018. Prior to these positions, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Pizza Hut Division from January 2015 to April 2016. From January 2014 to December 2014, Mr. Gibbs served as President of Pizza Hut U.S. Prior to this position, Mr. Gibbs served as President and Chief Financial Officer of Yum! Restaurants International, Inc. (“YRI”) from May 2012 through December 2013. Mr. Gibbs served as Chief Financial Officer of YRI from January 2011 to April 2012. He was Chief Financial Officer of Pizza Hut U.S. from September 2005 to December 2010.
Scott Catlett, 43, is General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of YUM. He has severed in this position since July 2018. Prior to serving as General Counsel he served as Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of YUM from November 2015 to June 2018. From September 2007 to October 2015 Mr. Catlett held various YUM positions including Vice President & Associate General Counsel.
Mark King, 60, is Chief Executive Officer of Taco Bell Division, a position he has held since August 2019. Before joining YUM, Mr. King served as President, adidas Group North America from June 2014 to June 2018 and as Chief Executive Officer of TaylorMade-adidas Golf from 2003 to 2014.
Tony Lowings, 61, is Chief Executive Officer of KFC Division, a position he has held since January 2019. Prior to that, he served as President and Chief Operations Officer of KFC Division from August 2018 to December 2018. From November 2016 to July 2018 he served as Managing Director of Asia-Pacific and from February 2013 to October 2016 as Managing Director of KFC SOPAC (Australia and New Zealand). Mr. Lowings served in various positions including Chief Operations Officer of YRI and Managing Director of Latin America and the Caribbean for KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell and General Manager of KFC and Pizza Hut in Australia and New Zealand from January 2010 to January 2013.
David Russell, 50, is Senior Vice President, Finance and Corporate Controller of YUM. He has served as YUM's Corporate Controller since February 2011 and as Senior Vice President, Finance since February 2017. Prior to serving as Corporate Controller, Mr. Russell served in various positions at the Vice President level in the YUM Finance Department, including Controller-Designate from November 2010 to February 2011 and Vice President, Assistant Controller from January 2008 to December 2010.
Tracy Skeans, 47, is Chief Transformation and People Officer of YUM. She has served as Chief People Officer since January 2016 and Chief Transformation Officer since November 2016. From January 2015 to December 2015, she was President of Pizza Hut International. Prior to this position, Ms. Skeans served as Chief People Officer of Pizza Hut Division from December 2013 to December 2014 and Chief People Officer of Pizza Hut U.S. from October 2011 to November 2013. From July 2009 to September 2011, she served as Director of Human Resources for Pizza Hut U.S and was on the Pizza Hut U.S. Finance team from September 2000 to June 2009.
Arthur Starrs, 43, is Chief Executive Officer of Pizza Hut Division, a position he has held since August 2019. He served as President of Pizza Hut U.S. from May 2016 to July 2019 and he served as General Manager and Chief Financial Officer of Pizza Hut U.S. from November 2013 to April 2016.
Christopher Turner, 45, is Chief Financial Officer of YUM, a position he has held since August 2019. Before joining YUM, he served as Senior Vice President and General Manager in PepsiCo’s retail and e-commerce businesses with Walmart in the U.S. and more than 25 countries and across PepsiCo’s brands from December 2017 to July 2019. Prior to leading PepsiCo’s Walmart business, he served in various positions including Senior Vice President of Transformation for PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay North America business from July 2017 to December 2017 and Senior Vice President of Strategy for Frito-Lay from February 2016 to June 2017. Prior to joining PepsiCo, he was a partner in the Dallas office of McKinsey & Company, a strategic management consulting firm.
Executive officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
PART II

---

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5.
Market for the Registrant’s Common Stock, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Market Information and Dividend Policy
The Company’s Common Stock trades under the symbol YUM and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE").
As of February 12, 2020, there were 40,958 registered holders of record of the Company’s Common Stock.
In 2019, the Company declared and paid four cash dividends of $0.42 per share. Over the long term, the Company targets an annual dividend payout ratio of 45% to 50% of Net Income, before Special Items and excluding mark-to-market adjustments related to our investment in Grubhub common stock.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2019, with respect to shares of Common Stock repurchased by the Company during the quarter then ended.
Fiscal Periods
Total number
of shares
purchased
(thousands)
Average price
paid per share
Total number of shares
purchased as part of
publicly announced plans
or programs
(thousands)
Approximate dollar value
of shares that may yet be
purchased under the plans
or programs
(millions)
10/1/19 - 10/31/19
1,108
$
110.34
1,108
$
11/1/19- 11/30/19
2,140
$
98.63
2,140
$
2,296
12/1/19 - 12/31/19
-
$
-
-
$
2,000
Total
3,248
3,248
On November 21, 2019, our Board of Directors authorized share repurchases through June 2021 of up to $2 billion (excluding applicable transaction fees) of our outstanding Common Stock. As of December 31, 2019, we have remaining capacity to repurchase up to $2 billion of Common Stock under this authorization. An August 2018 share repurchase authorization, with unutilized share repurchase capacity of $296 million, expired on December 31, 2019.
Stock Performance Graph
This graph compares the cumulative total return of our Common Stock to the cumulative total return of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Consumer Discretionary Sector Index, a peer group that includes YUM, for the period from December 31, 2014 to December 31, 2019. The graph assumes that the value of the investment in our Common Stock and each index was $100 at December 31, 2014 and that all cash dividends were reinvested.
12/31/2014
12/31/2015
12/30/2016
12/29/2017
12/31/2018
12/31/2019
YUM
$
$
$
$
$
$
S&P 500
$
$
$
$
$
$
S&P Consumer Discretionary
$
$
$
$
$
$
Source of total return data: Bloomberg

---

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data.
Selected Financial Data
Yum! Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
(in millions, except per share and unit amounts)
Income Statement Data
Revenues
Company sales
$
1,546
$
2,000
$
3,572
$
4,189
$
4,336
Franchise and property revenues
2,660
2,482
2,306
2,167
2,082
Franchise contributions for advertising and other services
1,391
1,206
-
-
-
Total
5,597
5,688
5,878
6,356
6,418
Refranchising (gain) loss
(37
)
(540
)
(1,083
)
(163
)
Operating Profit
1,930
2,296
2,761
1,682
1,434
Other pension (income) expense
Interest expense, net
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
1,373
1,839
2,274
1,345
1,253
Income from continuing operations
1,294
1,542
1,340
1,018
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
N/A
N/A
N/A
Net Income
1,294
1,542
1,340
1,643
1,283
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations
4.23
4.80
3.86
2.58
2.13
Basic earnings per share from discontinued operations
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.59
0.82
Basic earnings per share
4.23
4.80
3.86
4.17
2.95
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
4.14
4.69
3.77
2.54
2.09
Diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.56
0.81
Diluted earnings per share
4.14
4.69
3.77
4.10
2.90
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations excluding Special Items
3.55
3.17
2.96
2.46
2.31
Cash Flow Data
Provided by operating activities
$
1,315
$
1,176
$
1,030
$
1,248
$
1,260
Capital spending
Proceeds from refranchising of restaurants
1,773
Repurchase shares of Common Stock
2,390
1,960
5,403
1,200
Dividends paid on Common Stock
Balance Sheet Data
Total assets
$
5,231
$
4,130
$
5,311
$
5,453
$
4,939
Long-term debt
10,131
9,751
9,429
9,059
2,988
Total debt
10,562
10,072
9,804
9,125
3,908
Other Data
Number of units at year end
Franchise
49,257
47,268
43,603
40,834
39,320
Company
1,481
2,841
3,163
System
50,170
48,124
45,084
43,675
42,483
System net new unit growth
%
%
%
%
%
System and same-store sales
KFC Division System sales
$
27,900
$
26,239
$
24,515
$
23,242
$
22,628
System sales growth (decline)
%
%
%
%
(3
)%
System sales growth, ex FX and 53rd week
%
%
%
%
%
Same-store sales growth
%
%
%
%
%
Pizza Hut Division System sales
$
12,900
$
12,212
$
12,034
$
12,019
$
11,999
System sales growth (decline)
%
%
-
%
-
%
(1
)%
System sales growth, ex FX and 53rd week
%
%
%
%
%
Same-store sales growth (decline)
-
%
-
%
-
%
(2
)%
-
%
Taco Bell Division System sales
$
11,784
$
10,786
$
10,145
$
9,660
$
9,102
System sales growth
%
%
%
%
%
System sales growth, ex FX and 53rd week
%
%
%
%
%
Same-store sales growth
%
%
%
%
%
Shares outstanding at year end
Cash dividends declared per common share
$
1.68
$
1.44
$
0.90
$
1.73
$
1.74
Market price per share at year end
$
100.73
$
91.92
$
81.61
$
63.33
$
73.05
The table above reflects the impact of the adoption of new lease accounting standards in fiscal year 2019. Refer to Note 2 in our Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding our adoption of the new lease standards.
The table above reflects the impact of the adoption of new revenue recognition accounting standards in fiscal year 2018. Refer to Note 2 in our Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
System sales growth measures in 2019 and System unit growth in 2018 reflects the addition of approximately 1,300 Telepizza units in December 2018. See Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") Part II,

---

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Introduction and Overview
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”), should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements (“Financial Statements”) in Item 8 and the Forward-Looking Statements and the Risk Factors set forth in Item 1A. All Note references herein refer to the Notes to the Financial Statements. Tabular amounts are displayed in millions of U.S. dollars except per share and unit count amounts, or as otherwise specifically identified. Percentages may not recompute due to rounding.
Yum! Brands, Inc. ("Company", “YUM”, "we", "us" or "our") franchises or operates a worldwide system of over 50,000 restaurants in more than 150 countries and territories, primarily under the concepts of KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell (collectively, the "Concepts"). These three Concepts are global leaders of the chicken, pizza and Mexican-style food categories, respectively. Of the over 50,000 restaurants, 98% are operated by franchisees.
As of December 31, 2019, YUM consists of three operating segments:
•
The KFC Division which includes our worldwide operations of the KFC concept
•
The Pizza Hut Division which includes our worldwide operations of the Pizza Hut concept
•
The Taco Bell Division which includes our worldwide operations of the Taco Bell concept
Through our Recipe for Growth and Good we intend to unlock the growth potential of our Concepts and YUM, drive increased collaboration across our Concepts and geographies and consistently deliver better customer experiences, improved economics and higher rates of growth. Key enablers include accelerated use of technology and better leverage of our systemwide scale.
Our Recipe for Growth is based on four key drivers:
•
Unrivaled Culture and Talent: Leverage our culture and people capability to fuel brand performance and franchise success
•
Unmatched Operating Capability: Recruit and equip the best restaurant operators in the world to deliver great customer experiences
•
Relevant, Easy and Distinctive Brands: Innovate and elevate iconic restaurant brands people trust and champion
•
Bold Restaurant Development: Drive market and franchise expansion with strong economics and value
Our Recipe for Good reflects our global citizenship and sustainability strategy and practices, while reinforcing our public commitment to drive socially responsible growth, risk management and sustainable stewardship of our food, planet and people.
On October 11, 2016 YUM announced our transformation plans to drive global expansion of our KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell brands (“YUM's Strategic Transformation Initiatives”) following the spin-off of our China business into an independent publicly-traded company under the name of Yum China Holdings, Inc. (“Yum China”). At this time, we established transformation goals that were met by the end of 2019 including becoming:
•
More Focused. By focusing on four growth drivers similar to those that make up our Recipe for Growth above we accelerated system sales growth to 8% in 2019 (excluding the impacts of the 53rd week and foreign currency translation).
•
More Franchised. The Company successfully increased franchise restaurant ownership to 98% as of the end of 2018.
•
More Efficient. The Company revamped its financial profile, improving the efficiency of its organization and cost structure globally, by:
•
Reducing annual capital expenditures associated with Company-operated restaurant maintenance and other projects and funded additional capital for new Company units through the refranchising of existing Company units. Capital spending in 2019 net of refranchising proceeds was $86 million.
•
Lowering General and administrative expenses ("G&A") to 1.7% of system sales in 2019; and
•
Maintaining an optimized capital structure of ~5.0x Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”) leverage.
From 2017 through 2019, we returned $6.5 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and cash dividends. We funded these shareholder returns through a combination of refranchising proceeds, free cash flow generation and maintenance of our ~5.0x EBITDA leverage. We generated pre-tax proceeds of $2.8 billion through our refranchising initiatives to achieve targeted franchise ownership of 98%. Refer to the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of this MD&A for additional details.
Going forward, we expect to:
•
Maintain a capital structure of ~5.0x EBITDA leverage;
•
Invest capital in a manner consistent with an asset light, franchisor model; and
•
Allocate G&A in an efficient manner that provides leverage to operating profit growth while at the same time opportunistically investing in strategic growth initiatives.
We intend for this MD&A to provide the reader with information that will assist in understanding our results of operations, including performance metrics that management uses to assess the Company's performance. Throughout this MD&A, we commonly discuss the following performance metrics:
•
Same-store sales growth is the estimated percentage change in sales of all restaurants that have been open and in the YUM system for one year or more, including those temporarily closed. From time-to-time restaurants may be temporarily closed due to remodeling or image enhancement, rebuilding, natural disasters, health epidemic or pandemic, landlord disputes or other issues. We believe same-store sales growth is useful to investors because our results are heavily dependent on the results of our Concepts' existing store base. Additionally, same-store sales growth is reflective of the strength of our Brands, the effectiveness of our operational and advertising initiatives and local economic and consumer trends. In 2019, when calculating same-store sales growth we also included in our prior year base the sales of stores that were added as a result of the Telepizza strategic alliance in December 2018 and that were open for one year or more. See description of the Telepizza strategic alliance within this MD&A.
•
Net new unit growth reflects new unit openings offset by store closures, by us and our franchisees. To determine whether a restaurant meets the definition of a unit we consider whether the restaurant has operations that are ongoing and independent from another YUM unit, serves the primary product of one of our Concepts, operates under a separate franchise agreement (if operated by a franchisee) and has substantial and sustainable sales. We believe net new unit growth is useful to investors because we depend on net new units for a significant portion of our growth. Additionally, net new unit growth is generally reflective of the economic returns to us and our franchisees from opening and operating our Concept restaurants.
•
Company restaurant profit ("Restaurant profit") is defined as Company sales less expenses incurred directly by our Company-owned restaurants in generating Company sales. Company restaurant margin as a percentage of sales is defined as Restaurant profit divided by Company sales. Restaurant profit is useful to investors as it provides a measure of profitability for our Company-owned stores.
In addition to the results provided in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America ("GAAP"), the Company provides the following non-GAAP measurements.
•
System sales, System sales excluding the impacts of foreign currency translation ("FX"), and, in 2019, System sales excluding FX and the impact of the 53rd week for our U.S. subsidiaries and certain international subsidiaries that operate on a weekly periodic calendar. System sales include the results of all restaurants regardless of ownership, including Company-owned and franchise restaurants. Sales at franchise restaurants typically generate ongoing franchise and license fees for the Company at a rate of 3% to 6% of sales. Franchise restaurant sales are not included in Company sales on the Consolidated Statements of Income; however, the franchise and license fees derived from franchise restaurants are included in the Company’s revenues. We believe System sales growth is useful to investors as a significant indicator of the overall strength of our business as it incorporates all of our significant revenue drivers, Company and franchise same-store sales as well as net unit growth.
•
Diluted Earnings Per Share excluding Special Items (as defined below);
•
Effective Tax Rate excluding Special Items;
•
Core Operating Profit and, in 2019, Core Operating Profit excluding the impact of the 53rd week. Core Operating Profit excludes Special Items and FX and we use Core Operating Profit for the purposes of evaluating performance internally.
These non-GAAP measurements are not intended to replace the presentation of our financial results in accordance with GAAP. Rather, the Company believes that the presentation of these non-GAAP measurements provide additional information to investors to facilitate the comparison of past and present operations.
Special Items are not included in any of our Division segment results as the Company does not believe they are indicative of our ongoing operations due to their size and/or nature. Our chief operating decision maker does not consider the impact of Special Items when assessing segment performance.
Certain non-GAAP measurements are presented excluding the impact of FX. These amounts are derived by translating current year results at prior year average exchange rates. We believe the elimination of the FX impact provides better year-to-year comparability without the distortion of foreign currency fluctuations.
For 2019 we provided Core Operating Profit excluding the impact of the 53rd week and System sales excluding the impact of the 53rd week to further enhance the comparability given the 53rd week that was part of our fiscal calendar in 2019.
Results of Operations
Summary
All comparisons within this summary are versus the same period a year ago and unless otherwise stated include the impact of a 53rd week in 2019. For discussion of our results of operations for 2018 compared to 2017, refer to the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in Part II, Item 7 of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, filed with the SEC on February 21, 2019.
For 2019, GAAP diluted EPS decreased 12% to $4.14 per share, and diluted EPS, excluding Special Items, increased 12% to $3.55 per share.
2019 financial highlights:
% Change
System Sales,
ex FX
Same-Store Sales
Net New Units
GAAP Operating Profit
Core Operating Profit
KFC Division
+10
+4
+7
+10
+14
Pizza Hut Division
+8
Even
+1
+6
+8
Taco Bell Division
+9
+5
+4
+8
+8
Worldwide
+9
+3
+4
(16)
+12
Results Excluding 53rd Week in 2019
(% Change)
System Sales, ex FX
Core Operating Profit
KFC Division
+9
+13
Pizza Hut Division
+7
+7
Taco Bell Division
+8
+6
Worldwide
+8
+11
Additionally:
•
Adjusting the prior year base to include units added as a result of our fourth quarter 2018 strategic alliance with Telepizza, system sales growth, excluding the impacts of foreign currency translation and 53rd week, would have been 7% and 2% for Worldwide and the Pizza Hut Division, respectively.
•
During the year, we opened 2,040 net new units for 4% net new unit growth.
•
During the year, we refranchised 25 restaurants and sold certain restaurant assets associated with existing franchise restaurants to the franchisee for total pre-tax proceeds of $110 million. We recorded net refranchising gains of $37 million related to these transactions.
•
During the year, we repurchased 7.8 million shares totaling $810 million at an average price of $104.
•
During the year, we recognized pre-tax expense of $77 million related to the change in fair value of our investment in Grubhub, which resulted in a negative ($0.19) impact to diluted EPS on the year.
•
Foreign currency translation impacted Divisional Operating Profit unfavorably for the year by $46 million.
•
Our effective tax rate for the year was 5.7% and our effective tax rate, excluding Special Items, was 19.8%.
Worldwide
GAAP Results
Amount
% B/(W)
Company sales
$
1,546
$
2,000
$
3,572
(23
)
(44
)
Franchise and property revenues
2,660
2,482
2,306
Franchise contributions for advertising and other services
1,391
1,206
-
N/A
Total revenues
$
5,597
$
5,688
$
5,878
(2
)
(3
)
Restaurant profit
$
$
$
(15
)
(41
)
Restaurant margin %
20.1
%
18.3
%
17.3
%
1.8
ppts.
1.0
ppts.
G&A expenses
$
$
$
(2
)
Franchise and property expenses
Franchise advertising and other services expense
1,368
1,208
-
(13
)
N/A
Refranchising (gain) loss
(37
)
(540
)
(1,083
)
(93
)
(50
)
Other (income) expense
NM
NM
Operating Profit
$
1,930
$
2,296
$
2,761
(16
)
(17
)
Investment (income) expense, net
(9
)
(5
)
NM
Other pension (income) expense
Interest expense, net
(8
)
(1
)
Income tax provision
Net Income
$
1,294
$
1,542
$
1,340
(16
)
Diluted EPS(a)
$
4.14
$
4.69
$
3.77
(12
)
Effective tax rate
5.7
%
16.2
%
41.1
%
10.5
ppts.
24.9
ppts.
(a)
See Note 3 for the number of shares used in this calculation.
Performance Metrics
% Increase (Decrease)
Unit Count
2018(a)
Franchise
49,257
47,268
43,603
Company-owned
1,481
(42
)
Total
50,170
48,124
45,084
(a)
2018 unit growth includes units added as a result of our fourth quarter 2018 strategic alliance with Telepizza.
Same-Store Sales Growth %
Non-GAAP Items
Non-GAAP Items, along with the reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP financial measure, are presented below.
System Sales Growth %, reported
System Sales Growth %, excluding FX
System Sales Growth %, excluding FX and 53rd week
N/A
Core Operating Profit Growth %
Even
Core Operating Profit Growth %, excluding 53rd week
N/A
Diluted EPS Growth %, excluding Special Items
Effective Tax Rate excluding Special Items
19.8
%
20.4
%
18.8
%
Year
Detail of Special Items
Refranchising gain (loss)(a)
$
$
$
1,083
YUM's Strategic Transformation Initiatives (See Note 4)
-
(8
)
(23
)
Costs associated with Pizza Hut U.S. Transformation Agreement (See Note 4)
(13
)
(6
)
(31
)
Costs associated with KFC U.S. Acceleration Agreement (See Note 4)
-
(2
)
(17
)
Non-cash credits (charges) associated with share-based compensation (See Note 4)
-
(18
)
Other Special Items Income (Expense)(b)
(10
)
Special Items Income (Expense) - Operating Profit
(11
)
1,001
Special Items - Other Pension Income (Expense) (See Note 4)
-
-
(23
)
Interest expense, net(b)
(2
)
-
-
Special Items Income (Expense) before Income Taxes
(13
)
Tax Expense on Special Items(c)
(30
)
(96
)
(256
)
Tax Benefit - Intercompany transfer of intellectual property(d)
-
-
Tax Benefit (Expense) - U.S. Tax Act(e)
-
(434
)
Special Items Income, net of tax
$
$
$
Average diluted shares outstanding
Special Items diluted EPS
$
0.59
$
1.52
$
0.81
Reconciliation of GAAP Operating Profit to Core Operating Profit and Core Operating Profit, excluding 53rd Week
Consolidated
GAAP Operating Profit
$
1,930
$
2,296
$
2,761
Special Items Income (Expense) - Operating Profit
(11
)
1,001
Foreign Currency Impact on Divisional Operating Profit(f)
(46
)
N/A
Core Operating Profit
1,987
1,765
1,760
Impact of 53rd Week
N/A
N/A
Core Operating Profit, excluding 53rd Week
$
1,963
$
1,765
$
1,760
KFC Division
GAAP Operating Profit
$
1,052
$
$
Foreign Currency Impact on Divisional Operating Profit(f)
(39
)
-
N/A
Core Operating Profit
1,091
Impact of 53rd Week
N/A
N/A
Core Operating Profit, excluding 53rd Week
$
1,083
$
$
Pizza Hut Division
GAAP Operating Profit
$
$
$
Foreign Currency Impact on Divisional Operating Profit(f)
(7
)
N/A
Core Operating Profit
Impact of 53rd Week
N/A
N/A
Core Operating Profit, excluding 53rd Week
$
$
$
Taco Bell Division
GAAP Operating Profit
$
$
$
Foreign Currency Impact on Divisional Operating Profit(f)
-
-
N/A
Core Operating Profit
Impact of 53rd Week
N/A
N/A
Core Operating Profit, excluding 53rd Week
$
$
$
Reconciliation of Diluted EPS to Diluted EPS excluding Special Items
Diluted EPS
$
4.14
$
4.69
$
3.77
Special Items Diluted EPS
0.59
1.52
0.81
Diluted EPS excluding Special Items
$
3.55
$
3.17
$
2.96
Reconciliation of GAAP Effective Tax Rate to Effective Tax Rate, excluding Special Items
GAAP Effective Tax Rate
5.7
%
16.2
%
41.1
%
Impact on Tax Rate as a result of Special Items(c)(d)(e)
(14.1
)%
(4.2
)%
22.3
%
Effective Tax Rate excluding Special Items
19.8
%
20.4
%
18.8
%
Reconciliation of GAAP Company sales to System sales, System sales, excluding FX and System sales, excluding FX and 53rd week
Consolidated
GAAP Company sales(g)
$
1,546
$
2,000
$
3,572
Franchise sales
51,038
47,237
43,122
System sales
52,584
49,237
46,694
Foreign Currency Impact on System sales(h)
(1,169
)
N/A
System sales, excluding FX
53,753
49,051
46,694
Impact of 53rd week
N/A
N/A
System sales, excluding FX and 53rd Week
$
53,299
$
49,051
$
46,694
KFC Division
GAAP Company sales(g)
$
$
$
1,928
Franchise sales
27,329
25,345
22,587
System sales
27,900
26,239
24,515
Foreign Currency Impact on System sales(h)
(898
)
N/A
System sales, excluding FX
28,798
26,097
24,515
Impact of 53rd week
N/A
N/A
System sales, excluding FX and 53rd Week
$
28,631
$
26,097
$
24,515
Pizza Hut Division
GAAP Company sales(g)
$
$
$
Franchise sales
12,846
12,143
11,749
System sales
12,900
12,212
12,034
Foreign Currency Impact on System sales(h)
(259
)
N/A
System sales, excluding FX
13,159
12,165
12,034
Impact of 53rd week
N/A
N/A
System sales, excluding FX and 53rd Week
$
13,056
$
12,165
$
12,034
Taco Bell Division
GAAP Company sales(g)
$
$
1,037
$
1,359
Franchise sales
10,863
9,749
8,786
System sales
11,784
10,786
10,145
Foreign Currency Impact on System sales(h)
(12
)
(3
)
N/A
System sales, excluding FX
11,796
10,789
10,145
Impact of 53rd week
N/A
N/A
System sales, excluding FX and 53rd Week
$
11,612
$
10,789
$
10,145
(a)
We have reflected as Special Items those refranchising gains and losses that were recorded in connection with or prior to our previously announced plans to have at least 98% franchise restaurant ownership by the end of 2018. As such, refranchising gains and losses recorded during 2019 as Special Items primarily include gains or losses associated with sales of underlying real estate associated with stores that were franchised as of December 31, 2018 or true-ups to refranchising gains and losses recorded prior to December 31, 2018.
During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, we recorded net refranchising gains of $12 million, $540 million and $1,083 million, respectively, that have been reflected as Special Items.
(b)
In the second quarter of 2019 we recorded charges of $8 million and $2 million to Other (income) expense and Interest expense, net, respectively, related to cash payments in excess of our recorded liability to settle contingent consideration
associated with our 2013 acquisition of the KFC Turkey and Pizza Hut Turkey businesses. Consistent with prior adjustments to the recorded contingent consideration we have reflected this as a Special Item.
(c)
Tax Expense on Special Items was determined based upon the impact of the nature, as well as the jurisdiction of the respective individual components within Special Items. Additionally, we increased our Income tax provision by $34 million in the fourth quarter of 2019 to record a reserve against and by $19 million in the second quarter of 2018 to correct an error related to the tax recorded on a prior year divestiture, the effects of which were previously recorded as a Special Item.
(d)
During the year ended December 31, 2019 we completed intercompany transfers of certain intellectual property rights. As a result of the transfer of certain of these rights, largely to subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, we received a step-up in tax basis to current fair value under applicable tax law. To the extent this step-up in basis will be amortizable against future taxable income, we recognized a one-time deferred tax benefit of $226 million as a Special Item in the year ended December 31, 2019. See Note 17 for further discussion.
(e)
In 2018, we recorded a $35 million decrease related to our provisional tax expense recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017 associated with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 ("Tax Act") that was reported as a Special Item. We also recorded a Special Items tax benefit of $31 million in 2018 related to 2018 U.S. foreign tax credits that became realizable directly as a result of the impact of deemed repatriation tax expense associated with the Tax Act. We recognized $434 million in our 2017 Income tax provision that was reported as a Special Item as a result of the December 22, 2017 enactment of the Tax Act.
(f)
The foreign currency impact on reported Operating Profit is presented in relation only to the immediately preceding year presented. When determining applicable Core Operating Profit Growth percentages, the Core Operating Profit for the current year should be compared to the prior year Operating Profit, prior to adjustment for the prior year FX impact.
(g)
Company sales represents sales from our Company-operated stores as presented on our Consolidated Statements of Income.
(h)
The foreign currency impact on System sales is presented in relation only to the immediately preceding year presented. When determining applicable System sales growth percentages, the System sales excluding FX for the current year should be compared to the prior year System sales prior to adjustment for the prior year FX impact.
Items Impacting Reported Results and/or Expected to Impact Future Results
The following items impacted reported results in 2019 and/or 2018 and/or are expected to impact future results. See also the Detail of Special Items section of this M&DA for other items similarly impacting results.
Extra Week in 2019
Fiscal 2019 included a 53rd week for all of our U.S. and certain international subsidiaries that operate on a period calendar. See Note 2 for additional details related to our fiscal calendar. The following table summarizes the estimated impact of the 53rd week on Revenues and Operating Profit for the year ended December 31, 2019. The 53rd week in 2019 favorably impacted Diluted EPS by $0.05 per share.
KFC Division
Pizza Hut Division
Taco Bell Division
Total
Revenues
Company sales
$
$
$
$
Franchise and property revenues
Franchise contributions for advertising and other services
Total revenues
$
$
$
$
Operating Profit
Franchise and property revenues
$
$
$
$
Franchise contributions for advertising and other services
Restaurant profit
-
Franchise and property expenses
-
(1
)
-
(1
)
Franchise for advertising and other services expenses
(5
)
(5
)
(8
)
(18
)
G&A expenses
(2
)
(1
)
(2
)
(5
)
Operating Profit
$
$
$
$
Impact of Coronavirus Outbreak
Since the beginning of 2020, the novel coronavirus outbreak in mainland China has significantly impacted the operations of our largest master franchisee, Yum China, who pays us a continuing fee of 3% on system sales of our Concepts in mainland China. These continuing fees represented approximately 20% of the KFC Division and 16% of the PH Division operating profits in the year ended December 31, 2019. Through the date of the filing of this Form 10-K, Yum China has experienced widespread store closures and significant sales declines as a result of the coronavirus. Additionally, other nearby franchisees, such as those in Hong Kong and Taiwan, have experienced significant sales declines as well. While our Concepts outside of China have not experienced the same levels of same-store sales declines or store closures to date that Yum China has experienced, there can be no assurance that the impacts of the coronavirus will not have a material, adverse impact on our and our franchisees’ results on a more widespread basis. The coronavirus situation is ongoing and its dynamic nature makes it difficult to forecast any impacts on the Company’s 2020 results with any certainty. However, as of the date of this filing we expect our results for the quarter ending March 31, 2020 to be significantly impacted with potential continuing, adverse impacts beyond March 31, 2020.
Pizza Hut U.S. Franchisee Issues
During the year ended December 31, 2019 the Pizza Hut Division recorded $22 million in bad debt expense primarily associated with the nearly $600 million in continuing and initial fees earned in 2019 from franchisees. This represented an increase of $12 million versus the bad debt provision within the Division for the year ended December 31, 2018. The increased bad debt was largely attributable to a small number of U.S. franchisees who are facing financial challenges due to unit-level economics that have been pressured by wage increases and recent U.S. same-store sales declines of 1% in 2019, including a decline of 4% in the fourth quarter of 2019. Additionally, certain Pizza Hut U.S. franchisees are burdened by high debt service levels.
We continue to believe that the move of the Pizza Hut U.S. system to a more delivery-focused and modern estate will optimize our ability to grow the Pizza Hut U.S. system going forward. However, we could see impacts to our near-term results as we work through transitions of the estate and of certain franchise stores to new franchisees. These impacts could include expense related to further bad debts and payments we may be required to make with regard to franchisee lease obligations for which we remain secondarily liable. Additionally, Pizza Hut U.S. system sales could be negatively impacted by decreased system advertising spend due to lower franchisee contributions and closures of underperforming units, including certain units that are largely dine-in focused. Given the fluid nature of issues surrounding our Pizza Hut U.S. franchisees, in particular surrounding our largest Pizza Hut U.S. franchisee who owns approximately 1,225 units or 17% of the Pizza Hut U.S. system as of December 31, 2019, the potential impact to the Company’s 2020 results is difficult to forecast.
Refranchising Initiatives
During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, we recorded net refranchising gains of $37 million, $540 million and $1,083 million, respectively. We have reflected those refranchising gains and losses that were recorded in connection with or prior to our previously announced plans to have at least 98% franchise restaurant ownership by the end of 2018 as Special Items. In
2019 net refranchising gains reflected as Special Items included $12 million associated with sales of underlying real estate associated with stores that were franchised as of December 31, 2018 or true-ups to refranchising gains and losses recorded prior to December 31, 2018. All net refranchising gains recorded in 2018 and 2017 were reflected as Special Items.
Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2019 we recorded net refranchising gains of $25 million that have not been reflected as Special Items. These net gains relate to the refranchising of restaurants in 2019 that were not part of and arose subsequent to our aforementioned plans to achieve 98% franchise ownership.
Investment in Grubhub
For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 we recognized pre-tax expense of $77 million and pre-tax income of $14 million, respectively, related to changes in fair value in our investment in Grubhub, Inc. ("Grubhub"). See Note 4 for further discussion of our investment in Grubhub.
Telepizza Strategic Alliance
On December 30, 2018, the Company consummated a strategic alliance with Telepizza Group S.A. (“Telepizza”), the largest non U.S.-based pizza delivery company in the world, to be the master franchisee of Pizza Hut in Latin America and portions of Europe. The key terms of the alliance are set forth below:
•
In Spain and Portugal Telepizza will continue operating the Telepizza brand and will oversee franchisees operating Pizza Hut branded restaurants
•
In Latin America (excluding Brazil), the Caribbean and Switzerland, Telepizza will progressively convert its existing restaurants to the Pizza Hut brand and oversee franchisees operating Pizza Hut branded restaurants
•
Telepizza will manage supply chain logistics for the entire master franchise territory and will become an authorized supplier of Pizza Hut branded restaurants
•
Across the regions covered by the master franchise agreement, Telepizza will target opening at least 1,300 new units over the next ten years and 2,550 units in total over 20 years
As a result of the alliance we added approximately 1,300 Telepizza units to our Pizza Hut Division unit count on December 30, 2018. In total approximately 2,300 Pizza Hut and Telepizza units are subject to the master franchise agreement as of December 31, 2019.
Based upon our ongoing and active maintenance of the Pizza Hut intellectual property as well as Telepizza’s active involvement in supply chain management and their role as a master franchisee, both parties are exposed to significant risks and rewards depending on the commercial success of the alliance. As a result, the alliance has been identified as a collaborative arrangement and upon consummation of the alliance no amounts were recorded in our Consolidated Financial Statements (other than insignificant success fees that were paid to third-party advisors). Subsequent to consummation of the deal, for all Pizza Hut restaurants that are part of the alliance, we are receiving a continuing fee of 3.5% of restaurant sales. Likewise, for most Telepizza restaurants that are part of the alliance we are receiving an alliance fee of 3.5% of restaurant sales. These fees are being recorded as Franchise and property revenues within our Consolidated Statement of Income when the related sales occur, consistent with our recognition of continuing fees for all other restaurants subject to our franchise agreements. These fees are reduced by a sales-based credit that decreases over time and, potentially, certain incentive payments if development or conversion targets are met. Previously, the existing Pizza Hut restaurants that are now subject to the master franchise agreement with Telepizza generally paid a continuing fee of 6% of restaurant sales consistent with our standard International franchise agreement terms. The impact to Operating Profit for the year ended December 31, 2019 as a result of the strategic alliance was not significant. System Sales growth in 2019, excluding foreign currency and 53rd week, was approximately 1 and 5 percentage points higher for Worldwide and the Pizza Hut Division, respectively as a result of the strategic alliance. Additionally, net new unit growth in 2018 was approximately 3 and 8 percentage points higher for Worldwide and the Pizza Hut Division, respectively, as a result of the strategic alliance.
KFC United Kingdom ("UK") Supply Availability Issues
On February 14, 2018, we and our franchisees transitioned to a new distributor for the products supplied to our approximately 900 KFCs in the United Kingdom and Ireland (those restaurants accounted for approximately 3% of YUM’s global system sales in the year ended December 31, 2018). In connection with this transition, certain of the restaurants experienced supply availability issues which resulted in store closures or stores operating under a limited menu. Beginning mid-May 2018, all restaurants opened for business, offering their full menus, with advertising beginning at the end of May. On a full-year basis in 2018, we estimated the negative impact to Core Operating Profit growth was 2 percentage points for KFC Division and 1 percentage point for YUM,
respectively, and the negative impact to same-store sales growth was 50 basis points for KFC Division and 25 basis points for YUM, respectively, as a result of these supply availability issues.
KFC Division
The KFC Division has 24,104 units, 83% of which are located outside the U.S. Additionally, 99% of the KFC Division units were operated by franchisees as of the end of 2019.
% B/(W)
% B/(W)
Reported
Ex FX
Ex FX and 53rd Week in 2019
Reported
Ex FX
System Sales
$
27,900
$
26,239
$
24,515
Same-Store Sales Growth %
N/A
N/A
N/A
Company sales
$
$
$
1,928
(36
)
(33
)
(34
)
(54
)
(53
)
Franchise and property revenues
1,390
1,294
1,182
Franchise contributions for advertising and other services
-
N/A
N/A
Total revenues
$
2,491
$
2,644
$
3,110
(6
)
(2
)
(3
)
(15
)
(15
)
Restaurant profit
$
$
$
(26
)
(23
)
(24
)
(59
)
(58
)
Restaurant margin %
15.3
%
13.3
%
15.0
%
2.0
ppts.
2.0
ppts.
2.0
ppts.
(1.7)
ppts.
(1.5)
ppts.
G&A expenses
$
$
$
(1
)
(1
)
Franchise and property expenses
Franchise advertising and other services expense
-
(15
)
(20
)
(19
)
N/A
N/A
Operating Profit
$
1,052
$
$
(2
)
(2
)
% Increase (Decrease)
Unit Count
Franchise
23,759
22,297
20,819
Company-owned
(51
)
Total
24,104
22,621
21,487
Company sales and Restaurant margin percentage
In 2019, the decrease in Company sales, excluding the impacts of foreign currency translation and 53rd week, was primarily driven by refranchising offset by company same-store sales growth of 5%, including lapping the prior year impact of supply interruptions in our KFC UK business.
The 2019 increase in Restaurant margin percentage was driven by same-store sales growth, including lapping the prior year impact of supply interruptions in our KFC UK business, and refranchising.
Franchise and property revenues
In 2019, the increase in Franchise and property revenues, excluding the impacts of foreign currency translation and 53rd week, was driven by international net new unit growth, franchise same-store sales growth of 4%, including lapping the prior year impact of supply interruptions in our KFC UK business, and refranchising.
G&A
In 2019, the increase in G&A, excluding the impacts of foreign currency translation and 53rd week, was driven by higher expenses related to our deferred and incentive compensation programs, partially offset by the positive impact of YUM's Strategic Transformation Initiatives, including reductions in G&A directly attributable to refranchising.
Operating Profit
In 2019, the increase in Operating Profit, excluding the impacts of foreign currency translation and 53rd week, was driven by net new unit growth, same-store sales growth and lapping the prior year impact of supply interruptions in our KFC UK business.
Pizza Hut Division
The Pizza Hut Division has 18,703 units, 61% of which are located outside the U.S. The Pizza Hut Division uses multiple distribution channels including delivery, dine-in and express (e.g. airports) and includes units operating under both the Pizza Hut and Telepizza brands. Additionally, over 99% of the Pizza Hut Division units were operated by franchisees as of the end of 2019.
% B/(W)
% B/(W)
Reported
Ex FX
Ex FX and 53rd Week in 2019
Reported
Ex FX
System Sales
$
12,900
$
12,212
$
12,034
Same-Store Sales Growth (Decline) %
Even
N/A
N/A
Even
N/A
Company sales
$
$
$
(23
)
(21
)
(21
)
(76
)
(76
)
Franchise and property revenues
Even
(2
)
(2
)
Franchise contributions for advertising and other services
-
N/A
N/A
Total revenues
$
1,027
$
$
Restaurant profit
$
$
-
$
NM
NM
NM
NM
NM
Restaurant margin %
4.2
%
(0.1
)%
5.3
%
4.3
ppts.
4.2
ppts.
4.1
ppts.
(5.4)
ppts.
(5.3)
ppts.
G&A expenses
$
$
$
(2
)
(3
)
(2
)
Franchise and property expenses
Franchise advertising and other services expense
-
(12
)
(12
)
(11
)
N/A
N/A
Operating Profit
$
$
$
% Increase (Decrease)
Unit Count
2018(a)
Franchise
18,603
18,369
16,588
Company-owned
(61
)
Total
18,703
18,431
16,748
(a) 2018 unit growth includes units added as a result of our fourth quarter 2018 strategic alliance with Telepizza.
Company sales
In 2019, the decrease in Company sales, excluding the impacts of foreign currency translation and 53rd week, was driven by refranchising. Company same-store sales growth was 2%.
Franchise and property revenues
In 2019, the increase in Franchise and property revenues, excluding the impacts of foreign currency translation and 53rd week, was driven by net new unit growth. Franchise same-store sales were flat.
G&A
In 2019, the increase in G&A, excluding the impacts of foreign currency translation and 53rd week, was driven by higher expenses related to our deferred compensation program, partially offset the positive impact of YUM’s Strategic Transformation Initiatives, including reductions in G&A directly attributable to refranchising.
Operating Profit
In 2019, the increase in Operating Profit, excluding the impacts of foreign currency translation and 53rd week, was driven by lapping advertising costs in the prior year associated with the Pizza Hut Transformation Agreement (See Note 4), higher profit associated with providing incremental technology-related services, net new unit growth and refranchising, partially offset by higher provisions for past due receivables and higher G&A.
Taco Bell Division
The Taco Bell Division has 7,363 units, 92% of which are in the U.S. The Company-owned 7% of the Taco Bell units in the U.S. as of the end of 2019.
% B/(W)
% B/(W)
Reported
Ex FX
Ex FX and 53rd Week in 2019
Reported
Ex FX
System Sales
$
11,784
$
10,786
$
10,145
Same-Store Sales Growth %
N/A
N/A
N/A
Company sales
$
$
1,037
$
1,359
(11
)
(11
)
(13
)
(24
)
(24
)
Franchise and property revenues
Franchise contributions for advertising and other services
-
N/A
N/A
Total revenues
$
2,079
$
2,056
$
1,880
-
Restaurant profit
$
$
$
(9
)
(9
)
(11
)
(20
)
(20
)
Restaurant margin %
24.0
%
23.5
%
22.4
%
0.5
ppts.
0.5
ppts.
0.4
ppts.
1.1
ppts.
1.1
ppts.
G&A expenses
$
$
$
(2
)
(3
)
(2
)
Franchise and property expenses
(33
)
(33
)
(32
)
(31
)
(31
)
Franchise advertising and other services expense
-
(12
)
(12
)
(11
)
N/A
N/A
Operating Profit
$
$
$
% Increase (Decrease)
Unit Count
Franchise
6,895
6,602
6,196
Company-owned
-
(28
)
Total
7,363
7,072
6,849
Company sales and Restaurant margin percentage
In 2019, the decrease in Company Sales, excluding the impact of 53rd week, was driven by refranchising partially offset by company same-store sales growth of 4% and net new unit growth.
In 2019, the increase in restaurant margin percentage was driven by same-store sales growth partially offset by higher labor and commodity costs.
Franchise and property revenues
In 2019, the increase in Franchise and property revenues, excluding the impact of 53rd week, was driven by franchise same-store sales growth of 5%, refranchising and net new unit growth.
G&A
In 2019, the increase in G&A, excluding the impact of 53rd week, was driven by higher expenses related to our deferred and incentive compensation programs and the unfavorable impact of lapping prior year forfeitures related to share based compensation awards, partially offset by the positive impact of YUM’s Strategic Transformation Initiatives.
Operating Profit
In 2019, the increase in Operating Profit, excluding the impacts of foreign currency translation and 53rd week, was driven by same-store sales growth and net new unit growth, partially offset by refranchising and higher restaurant operating costs.
Corporate & Unallocated
% B/(W)
(Expense)/Income
Corporate and unallocated G&A
$
(188
)
$
(171
)
$
(230
)
(10
)
Unallocated restaurant costs
-
(95
)
(69
)
Unallocated Franchise and property revenues
-
-
(5
)
NM
NM
Unallocated Franchise and property expenses
(14
)
(8
)
(30
)
(72
)
Refranchising gain (loss) (See Note 4)
1,083
(93
)
(50
)
Unallocated Other income (expense) (See Note 4)
(9
)
(8
)
(8
)
NM
NM
Investment income (expense), net (See Note 4)
(67
)
NM
Other pension income (expense) (See Note 14)
(4
)
(14
)
(47
)
Interest expense, net
(486
)
(452
)
(445
)
(8
)
(1
)
Income tax provision (See Note 17)
(79
)
(297
)
(934
)
Effective tax rate (See Note 17)
5.7
%
16.2
%
41.1
%
10.5
ppts.
24.9
ppts.
Corporate and unallocated G&A
In 2019, the increase in Corporate and unallocated G&A expenses was driven by higher expenses related to our deferred and incentive compensation programs and higher professional fees related to strategic projects, the largest of which was related to global tax reforms, partially offset by lapping costs associated with YUM’s Strategic Transformation Initiatives (See Note 4) and current year G&A reductions due to the impact of YUM’s Strategic Transformation Initiatives.
Unallocated restaurant costs
Unallocated restaurant costs represents the cessation of depreciation on held for sale assets that were not allocated to the Division segments.
Unallocated Franchise and property expenses
Unallocated Franchise and property expenses reflect charges related to the Pizza Hut U.S. Transformation Agreement and/or the KFC U.S. Acceleration Agreement. See Note 4.
Interest expense, net
The increase in Interest expense, net for 2019 was driven by increased outstanding borrowings. See Note 10.
Consolidated Cash Flows
Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,315 million in 2019 compared to $1,176 million in 2018. The increase was largely driven by an increase in Operating profit before Special Items and lower compensation payments, partially offset by an increase in interest payments.
Net cash used in investing activities was $88 million in 2019 compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $313 million in 2018. The change was primarily driven by lower refranchising proceeds in the current year, partially offset by the lapping of our prior year investment in Grubhub common stock and the acquisition of QuikOrder, LLC, an online ordering software and service provider for the restaurant industry ("QuikOrder") (See Note 9).
Net cash used in financing activities was $938 million in 2019 compared to $2,620 million in 2018. The decrease was primarily driven by lower share repurchases and higher net borrowings in 2019.
Consolidated Financial Condition
Our Consolidated Balance Sheet was impacted by the adoption of Topic 842 (See Note 2) and deferred tax assets recorded related to the intercompany transfers of certain intellectual property rights (See Note 17).
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash on hand, cash generated by operations and availability under our revolving facilities. As of December 31, 2019, we had Cash and cash equivalents of $605 million. Cash and cash equivalents increased from $292 million at December 31, 2018 due to the issuance of $800 million aggregate principal amount of YUM Senior Unsecured Notes in September 2019. We have historically generated substantial cash flows from the operations of our Company-owned stores and from our extensive franchise operations, which require a limited YUM investment. Our annual operating cash flows have historically been in excess of $1 billion. Decreases in operating cash flows from the operation of fewer Company-owned stores due to refranchising in recent years have been offset, and are expected to continue to be offset, with savings generated from decreased capital investment and G&A required to support company operations. To the extent operating cash flows plus other sources of cash such as refranchising proceeds do not cover our anticipated cash needs, we maintain a $1 billion Revolving Facility under our existing Credit Agreement that was undrawn as of year end 2019. We believe that our existing cash on hand, cash from operations and availability under our Revolving Facility, will be sufficient to fund our operations, anticipated capital expenditures and debt repayment obligations over the next twelve months.
From 2017 through 2019, we returned a cumulative $6.5 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and cash dividends. We funded these shareholder returns through a combination of refranchising proceeds, free cash flow generation and maintenance of our ~5.0x EBITDA leverage. From the fourth quarter of 2016 to the end of 2018, we generated total gross refranchising proceeds of $2.8 billion in connection with our initiative to increase franchise ownership to 98%. Going forward, we anticipate refranchising proceeds to be much more limited and any shareholder returns we choose to make to be funded through cash flows from operations and leverage maintenance.
On January 6, 2020, we announced our definitive agreement pursuant to which the Company will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of The Habit Restaurants, Inc. (“Habit”) for $14 per share in cash or a total of approximately $375 million. The transaction is subject to approval by Habit’s stockholders and other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of the first-quarter of 2020.
Additionally, if the transaction is consummated, Habit will make payment to certain of its former shareholders pursuant to an existing Tax Receivable Agreement in the aggregate amount of approximately $53 million. The amount of this payment in excess of Habit’s cash necessary at closing for normal working capital purposes, in addition to customary transaction fees and expenses, will be liabilities funded by the Company.
We intend to fund all amounts for the acquisition of Habit using cash on hand and available borrowing capacity under our Revolving Facility.
Our balance sheet often reflects a working capital deficit, which is not uncommon in our industry and is also historically common for YUM. Our royalty receivables from franchisees are generally due within 30 days of the period in which the related sales occur and Company sales are paid in cash or by credit card (which is quickly converted into cash). Substantial amounts of cash received have historically been either returned to shareholders or invested in new restaurant assets which are non-current in nature. As part of our working capital strategy, we negotiate favorable credit terms with vendors and, as a result, our on-hand inventory turns faster than the related short-term liabilities. Accordingly, it is not unusual for current liabilities to exceed current assets. We believe such a deficit has no significant impact on our liquidity or operations.
Debt Instruments
As of December 31, 2019, approximately 92%, including the impact of interest rate swaps, of our $10.6 billion of total debt outstanding, excluding finance leases, is fixed with an effective overall interest rate of approximately 4.7%. We are managing a capital structure which is levered in-line with our target of ~5.0x EBITDA, and which we believe provides an attractive balance between optimized interest rates, duration and flexibility with diversified sources of liquidity and maturities spread over multiple years. We have credit ratings of BB (Standard & Poor's)/Ba2 (Moody's) with a balance sheet consistent with highly-levered peer restaurant franchise companies.
The following table summarizes the future maturities of our outstanding long-term debt, excluding finance leases and debt issuance costs and discounts, as of December 31, 2019.
Securitization Notes include four senior secured notes issued by Taco Bell Funding, LLC (the “Issuer”) totaling $2.9 billion with fixed interest rates ranging from 4.318% to 4.970%. The Securitization Notes are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Issuer and the Issuer’s special purpose, wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively with the Issuer, the "Securitization Entities"), and include a lien on all existing and future U.S. Taco Bell franchise and license agreements and the royalties payable thereunder, existing and future U.S. Taco Bell intellectual property, certain transaction accounts and a pledge of the equity interests in asset-owning Securitization Entities. The Securitization Notes contain cross-default provisions whereby the failure to pay principal on any outstanding Securitization Notes will constitute an event of default under any other Securitization Notes.
Credit Agreement includes senior secured credit facilities consisting of a $463 million Term Loan A facility (the “Term Loan A Facility"), a $1.9 billion Term Loan B facility (the “Term Loan B Facility”) and a $1.0 billion revolving facility (the “Revolving Facility”) issued by KFC Holding Co., Pizza Hut Holdings, LLC and Taco Bell of America, LLC, each of which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, as co-borrowers (the "Borrowers"). Our Revolving Facility was undrawn as of December 31, 2019. The interest rates applicable to the Credit Agreement range from 1.25% to 1.75% plus LIBOR or from 0.25% to 0.75% plus the Base Rate, at the Borrowers’ election, based upon the total net leverage ratio of the Borrowers and the Specified Guarantors (as defined in the Credit Agreement). Our Term Loan A Facility and Term Loan B Facility contain cross-default provisions whereby the failure to pay principal of or otherwise perform any agreement or condition under indebtedness of certain subsidiaries with a principal amount in excess of $100 million will constitute an event of default under the Credit Agreement.
Subsidiary Senior Unsecured Notes include three senior unsecured notes issued by the Borrowers totaling $2.9 billion with fixed interest rates ranging from 4.75% to 5.25%. Our Subsidiary Senior Unsecured Notes contain cross-default provisions whereby
the acceleration of the maturity of the indebtedness of certain subsidiaries with a principal amount in excess of $100 million or the failure to pay principal of such indebtedness will constitute an event of default under the Subsidiary Senior Unsecured Notes.
YUM Senior Unsecured Notes include six senior unsecured notes issued by Yum! Brands, Inc. totaling $2.4 billion with fixed interest rates ranging from 3.75% to 6.88% including $800 million aggregate principal amount of 4.75% notes due January 15, 2030 that we issued on September 11, 2019. See Note 10 for additional details. Our YUM Senior Unsecured Notes contain cross-default provisions whereby the acceleration of the maturity of any of our indebtedness or the failure to pay principal of such indebtedness will constitute an event of default under the YUM Senior Unsecured Notes unless such indebtedness is discharged, or the acceleration of the maturity of that indebtedness is annulled, within 30 days after notice.
See Note 10 for details on the Securitization Notes, the Credit Agreement, Subsidiary Senior Unsecured Notes and YUM Senior Unsecured Notes.
Contractual Obligations
Our significant contractual obligations and payments as of December 31, 2019 included:
Total
Less than 1 Year
1-3 Years
3-5 Years
More than 5 Years
Long-term debt obligations(a)
$
13,911
$
$
1,804
$
3,505
$
7,707
Finance leases(b)
Operating leases(b)
Purchase obligations(c)
Benefit plans and other(d)
Total contractual obligations
$
15,595
$
1,325
$
2,172
$
3,724
$
8,374
(a)
Amounts include maturities of debt outstanding as of December 31, 2019 and expected interest payments on those outstanding amounts on a nominal basis. The estimated interest payments related to the variable rate portion of our debt is based on current LIBOR interest rates. See Note 10.
(b)
These obligations, which are shown on a nominal basis and represent the non-cancellable term of the lease, relate primarily to approximately 600 Company-owned restaurants and 400 units that we sublease land, building or both to our franchisees. See Note 11.
(c)
Purchase obligations include agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding on us and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. We have excluded agreements that are cancellable without penalty. Purchase obligations relate primarily to marketing, information technology and supply agreements.
(d)
Includes actuarially-determined timing of payments from our most significant unfunded pension plan as well as scheduled payments from our deferred compensation plan and other unfunded benefit plans where payment dates are determinable. This table excludes $40 million of future benefit payments for deferred compensation and other unfunded benefit plans to be paid upon separation of employee's service or retirement from the company, as we cannot reasonably estimate the dates of these future cash payments. Other amounts include a cash tax obligation related to an income tax audit expected to conclude in 2020 and anticipated investments related to the Pizza Hut U.S. Transformation Agreement (See Note 4).
We sponsor noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering certain salaried and hourly employees, the most significant of which are in the U.S. and UK. The most significant of the U.S. plans, the YUM Retirement Plan (the “Plan”), is funded while benefits from our other significant U.S. plan are paid by the Company as incurred (see footnote (d) above). Our funding policy for the Plan is to contribute annually amounts that will at least equal the minimum amounts required to comply with the Pension Protection Act of 2006. However, additional voluntary contributions are made from time-to-time to improve the Plan’s funded status. At December 31, 2019 the Plan was in a net underfunded position of $44 million. The UK pension plans were in a net overfunded position of $82 million at our 2019 measurement date.
We do not anticipate making any significant contributions to the Plan in 2020. Investment performance and corporate bond rates have a significant effect on our net funding position as they drive our asset balances and discount rate assumptions. Future changes
in investment performance and corporate bond rates could impact our funded status and the timing and amounts of required contributions in 2020 and beyond.
Our post-retirement health care plan in the U.S. is not required to be funded in advance, but is pay as you go. We made post-retirement benefit payments of $5 million in 2019 and no future funding amounts are included in the contractual obligations table. See Note 14.
We have excluded from the contractual obligations table payments we may make for exposures for which we are self-insured, including workers’ compensation, employment practices liability, general liability, automobile liability, product liability and property losses (collectively “property and casualty losses”) and employee healthcare and long-term disability claims. The majority of our recorded liability for self-insured property and casualty losses and employee healthcare and long-term disability claims represents estimated reserves for incurred claims that have yet to be filed or settled.
We have not included in the contractual obligations table $56 million of liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits relating to various tax positions we have taken. These liabilities may increase or decrease over time as a result of tax examinations, and given the status of the examinations, we cannot reliably estimate the period of any cash settlement with the respective taxing authorities.
As discussed further in Note 19, on January 29, 2020 we received an order from the Special Director of the Directorate of Enforcement in India imposing a penalty on Yum! Restaurants India Private Limited of approximately Indian Rupee 11 billion, or approximately $156 million, primarily relating to alleged violations of operating conditions imposed in 1993 and 1994. We have been advised by external counsel that the order is flawed and that several options for appeal exist. We deny liability and intend to continue vigorously defending this matter. We do not consider the risk of any significant loss arising from this order to be probable and thus have not recorded any reserve at December 31, 2019. It is possible that we could be required to post a deposit for some or all portion of the penalty amount as we pursue appeal options. We have not included any potential deposit amount in the contractual obligations table as we cannot reliably estimate the timing or amount of any such deposit that may be required.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
See the Lease Guarantees section of Note 19 for discussion of our off-balance sheet arrangements.
New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued a standard that requires measurement and recognition of expected versus incurred credit losses for financial assets held. The standard is effective for the Company prospectively in our first quarter of fiscal 2020 and any impact upon adoption will be reflected through a cumulative-effect adjustment to Accumulated deficit as of the beginning of 2020. We do not anticipate the impact of adopting this standard will be material to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our reported results are impacted by the application of certain accounting policies that require us to make subjective or complex judgments. These judgments involve estimations of the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may significantly impact our quarterly or annual results of operations or financial condition. Changes in the estimates and judgments could significantly affect our results of operations and financial condition and cash flows in future years. A description of what we consider to be our most significant critical accounting policies follows.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets
We review long-lived assets of restaurants we intend to continue operating as Company restaurants (primarily PP&E, right-of-use operating lease assets and allocated intangible assets subject to amortization) annually for impairment, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a restaurant may not be recoverable. We evaluate recoverability based on the restaurant’s forecasted undiscounted cash flows, which incorporate our best estimate of sales growth and margin improvement based upon our plans for the unit and actual results at comparable restaurants. For restaurant assets that are deemed to not be recoverable, we write-down the impaired restaurant to its estimated fair value. Key assumptions in the determination of fair value are the future after-tax cash flows of the restaurant, which are reduced by future royalties a franchisee would pay and a discount rate. The after-tax cash flows incorporate reasonable sales growth and margin improvement assumptions that would be used by a franchisee in the determination of a purchase price for the restaurant. Estimates of future cash flows are highly subjective judgments and can be significantly impacted by changes in the business or economic conditions.
We perform an impairment evaluation at a restaurant group level when it is more likely than not that we will refranchise restaurants as a group. Expected net sales proceeds are generally based on actual bids from the buyer, if available, or anticipated bids given the discounted projected after-tax cash flows for the group of restaurants. Historically, these anticipated bids have been reasonably accurate estimations of the proceeds ultimately received. The after-tax cash flows used in determining the anticipated bids incorporate reasonable assumptions we believe a franchisee would make such as sales growth and margin improvement as well as expectations as to the useful lives of the restaurant assets. These after-tax cash flows also include a deduction for the anticipated, future royalties we would receive under a franchise agreement with terms substantially at market entered into simultaneously with the refranchising transaction.
The discount rate used in the fair value calculations is our estimate of the required rate of return that a franchisee would expect to receive when purchasing a similar restaurant or groups of restaurants and the related long-lived assets. The discount rate incorporates rates of returns for historical refranchising market transactions and is commensurate with the risks and uncertainty inherent in the forecasted cash flows.
Impairment of Goodwill
We evaluate goodwill for impairment on an annual basis as of the beginning of our fourth quarter or more often if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicates impairment might exist. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment by determining whether the fair value of our reporting units exceed their carrying values. Our reporting units are our business units (which are aligned based on geography) in our KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell Divisions. Fair value is the price a willing buyer would pay for the reporting unit, and is generally estimated using discounted expected future after-tax cash flows from franchise royalties and Company-owned restaurant operations, if any.
Future cash flow estimates and the discount rate are the key assumptions when estimating the fair value of a reporting unit. Future cash flows are based on growth expectations relative to recent historical performance and incorporate sales growth (from net new units or same-sales growth) and margin improvement (for those reporting units which include Company-owned restaurant operations) assumptions that we believe a third-party buyer would assume when determining a purchase price for the reporting unit. Any margin improvement assumptions that factor into the discounted cash flows are highly correlated with sales growth as cash flow growth can be achieved through various interrelated strategies such as product pricing and restaurant productivity initiatives. The discount rate is our estimate of the required rate of return that a third-party buyer would expect to receive when purchasing a business from us that constitutes a reporting unit. We believe the discount rate is commensurate with the risks and uncertainty inherent in the forecasted cash flows.
The fair values of all our reporting units with goodwill balances were substantially in excess of their respective carrying values as of the 2019 goodwill testing date.
When we refranchise restaurants, we include goodwill in the carrying amount of the restaurants disposed of based on the relative fair values of the portion of the reporting unit disposed of in the refranchising versus the portion of the reporting unit that will be retained. The fair value of the portion of the reporting unit disposed of in a refranchising is determined by reference to the discounted value of the future cash flows expected to be generated by the restaurant and retained by the franchisee, which include a deduction for the anticipated, future royalties the franchisee will pay us associated with the franchise agreement entered into simultaneously with the refranchising transaction. Appropriate adjustments are made to the fair value determinations if such franchise agreement is determined to not be at prevailing market rates. When determining whether such franchise agreement is at prevailing market rates our primary consideration is consistency with the terms of our current franchise agreements both within the country that the restaurants are being refranchised in and around the world. The Company believes consistency in royalty rates as a percentage of sales is appropriate as the Company and franchisee share in the impact of near-term fluctuations in sales results with the acknowledgment that over the long-term the royalty rate represents an appropriate rate for both parties.
The discounted value of the future cash flows expected to be generated by the restaurant and retained by the franchisee is reduced by future royalties the franchisee will pay the Company. The Company thus considers the fair value of future royalties to be received under the franchise agreement as fair value retained in its determination of the goodwill to be written off when refranchising. Others may consider the fair value of these future royalties as fair value disposed of and thus would conclude that a larger percentage of a reporting unit’s fair value is disposed of in a refranchising transaction.
During 2019, refranchising activity completed by the Company was limited and the write-off of goodwill associated with these transactions was less than $1 million.
See Note 2 for a further discussion of our policies regarding goodwill.
Pension Plans
Certain of our employees are covered under defined benefit pension plans. Our two most significant plans are in the U.S. and combined had a projected benefit obligation (“PBO”) of $1,015 million and a fair value of plan assets of $886 million at December 31, 2019.
The PBO reflects the actuarial present value of all benefits earned to date by employees and incorporates assumptions as to future compensation levels. Due to the relatively long time frame over which benefits earned to date are expected to be paid, our PBOs are highly sensitive to changes in discount rates. For our U.S. plans, we measured our PBOs using a discount rate of 3.50% at December 31, 2019. The primary basis for this discount rate determination is a model that consists of a hypothetical portfolio of ten or more corporate debt instruments rated Aa or higher by Moody’s or Standard & Poor's ("S&P") with cash flows that mirror our expected benefit payment cash flows under the plans. We exclude from the model those corporate debt instruments flagged by Moody’s or S&P for a potential downgrade (if the potential downgrade would result in a rating below Aa by both Moody's and S&P) and bonds with yields that were two standard deviations or more above the mean. In considering possible bond portfolios, the model allows the bond cash flows for a particular year to exceed the expected benefit payment cash flows for that year. Such excesses are assumed to be reinvested at appropriate one-year forward rates and used to meet the benefit payment cash flows in a future year. The weighted-average yield of this hypothetical portfolio was used to arrive at an appropriate discount rate. We also ensure that changes in the discount rate as compared to the prior year are consistent with the overall change in prevailing market rates and make adjustments as necessary. A 50 basis-point increase in this discount rate would have decreased these U.S. plans’ PBOs by approximately $64 million at our measurement date. Conversely, a 50 basis-point decrease in this discount rate would have increased our U.S. plans’ PBOs by approximately $71 million at our measurement date.
The net periodic benefit cost we will record in 2020 is also impacted by the discount rate, as well as the long-term rates of return on plan assets and mortality assumptions we selected at our measurement date. We expect net periodic benefit cost plus expected pension settlement charges for our U.S. plans to increase approximately $10 million in 2020. A 50 basis-point change in our discount rate assumption at our 2019 measurement date would impact our 2020 U.S. net periodic benefit cost by approximately $6 million. The impacts of changes in net periodic benefit costs are reflected primarily in Other pension (income) expense.
Our estimated long-term rate of return on U.S. plan assets is based upon the weighted-average of historical and expected future returns for each asset category. Our expected long-term rate of return on U.S. plan assets, for purposes of determining 2020 pension expense, at December 31, 2019 was 5.50%, net of administrative and investment fees paid from plan assets. We believe this rate is appropriate given the composition of our plan assets and historical market returns thereon. A 100 basis point change in our expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption would impact our 2020 U.S. net periodic benefit cost by approximately $8 million. Additionally, every 100 basis point variation in actual return on plan assets versus our expected return of 5.50% will impact our unrecognized pre-tax actuarial net loss by approximately $8 million.
A decrease in discount rates over time has largely contributed to an unrecognized pre-tax actuarial net loss of $118 million included in AOCI for these U.S. plans at December 31, 2019. We will recognize approximately $14 million of such loss in net periodic benefit cost in 2020 versus $1 million recognized in 2019. See Note 14.
Income Taxes
At December 31, 2019, we had valuation allowances of approximately $787 million to reduce our $1,517 million of deferred tax assets to amounts that are more likely than not to be realized. The net deferred tax assets primarily relate to temporary differences in profitable U.S. federal, state and foreign jurisdictions and net operating losses in certain foreign jurisdictions, the majority of which do not expire. In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets, we consider future taxable income in the various jurisdictions as well as carryforward periods and restrictions on usage. The estimation of future taxable income in these jurisdictions and our resulting ability to utilize deferred tax assets can significantly change based on future events, including our determinations as to feasibility of certain tax planning strategies and refranchising plans. Thus, recorded valuation allowances may be subject to material future changes.
As a matter of course, we are regularly audited by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. We recognize the benefit of positions taken or expected to be taken in our tax returns in our Income tax provision when it is more likely than not that the position would be sustained upon examination by these tax authorities. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon settlement. At December 31, 2019, we had $188 million of unrecognized tax benefits, $8 million of which are temporary in nature and, if recognized, would not impact the effective tax rate. We evaluate unrecognized tax benefits, including interest thereon, on a quarterly basis to ensure that they have been appropriately adjusted for events, including audit settlements, which may impact our ultimate payment for such exposures.
The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act included a mandatory deemed repatriation tax on accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries, and as a result, previously unremitted earnings for which no U.S. deferred tax liability had been provided have now been subject to U.S. tax. Our cash currently held overseas is primarily limited to that necessary to fund working capital requirements. Thus, we have not provided taxes on our foreign unremitted earnings, including U.S. state income and foreign withholding taxes, as we believe they are indefinitely reinvested. See Note 17 for a further discussion of our Income taxes.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
The Company is exposed to financial market risks associated with interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and the value of our equity investment in Grubhub. In the normal course of business and in accordance with our policies, we manage these risks through a variety of strategies, which may include the use of financial and commodity derivative instruments to hedge our underlying exposures. Our policies prohibit the use of derivative instruments for trading purposes, and we have processes in place to monitor and control their use.
Interest Rate Risk
We have a market risk exposure to changes in interest rates, principally in the U.S. Our outstanding total debt, excluding finance leases, of $10.6 billion includes 77% fixed-rate debt and 23% variable-rate debt. We have attempted to minimize the interest rate risk from variable-rate debt through the use of interest rate swaps that, as of December 31, 2019, result in a fixed interest rate on $1.55 billion of our variable rate debt. As a result, approximately 92% of our $10.6 billion of outstanding debt at December 31, 2019 is effectively fixed-rate debt. See Note 10 for details on these issuances and repayments and Note 12 for details related to interest rate swaps.
As of both December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 a hypothetical 100 basis-point increase in short-term interest rates would result, over the following twelve-month period after consideration of the aforementioned interest rate swaps, in an increase of approximately $9 million in Interest expense, net within our Consolidated Statement of Income. These estimated amounts are based upon the current level of variable-rate debt that has not been swapped to fixed and assume no changes in the volume or composition of that debt and exclude any impact from interest income related to cash and cash equivalents.
The fair value of our cumulative fixed-rate debt of $8.2 billion as of December 31, 2019, would decrease approximately $450 million as a result of the same hypothetical 100 basis-point increase. At December 31, 2019, a hypothetical 100 basis-point decrease in short-term interest rates would decrease the fair value of our interest rate swaps approximately $66 million. Fair value was determined based on the present value of expected future cash flows considering the risks involved and using discount rates appropriate for the durations.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
Changes in foreign currency exchange rates impact the translation of our reported foreign currency denominated earnings, cash flows and net investments in foreign operations and the fair value of our foreign currency denominated financial instruments. Historically, we have chosen not to hedge foreign currency risks related to our foreign currency denominated earnings and cash flows through the use of financial instruments. In addition, we attempt to minimize the exposure related to foreign currency denominated financial instruments by purchasing goods and services from third parties in local currencies when practical. Consequently, foreign currency denominated financial instruments consist primarily of intercompany receivables and payables. At times, we utilize forward contracts and cross-currency swaps to reduce our exposure related to these intercompany receivables and payables. The notional amount and maturity dates of these contracts match those of the underlying receivables or payables such that our foreign currency exchange risk related to these instruments is minimized.
The Company’s foreign currency net asset exposure (defined as foreign currency assets less foreign currency liabilities) totaled approximately $1.2 billion as of December 31, 2019. Operating in international markets exposes the Company to movements in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company’s primary exposures result from our operations in Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Americas. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 Operating Profit would have decreased approximately $130 million if all foreign currencies had uniformly weakened 10% relative to the U.S. dollar. This estimated reduction assumes no changes in sales volumes, local currency sales or input prices.
Commodity Price Risk
We are subject to volatility in food costs as a result of market risk associated with commodity prices. Our ability to recover increased costs through higher pricing is, at times, limited by the competitive environment in which we operate. We manage our exposure to this risk primarily through pricing agreements with our vendors.
Equity Investment Risk
YUM holds 2,820,464 shares of Grubhub common stock (See Note 4). As of December 31, 2019, the NYSE composite closing sales price of Grubhub was $48.64. A hypothetical 10% decline in the price of these shares would result in a $14 million decrease in the fair value of these investments, which would be reflected as a charge in Investment (income) expense, net within our Consolidated Statements of Income. The effects of changes in market prices for equity securities are unpredictable, which could cause significant fluctuations in our quarterly and annual results.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
INDEX TO FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Page Reference
Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Statements of Income
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Deficit
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Financial Statement Schedules
No schedules are required because either the required information is not present or not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the above-listed financial statements or notes thereto.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
Yum! Brands, Inc.:
Opinions on the Consolidated Financial Statements and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Yum! Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows, and shareholders’ deficit for each of the fiscal years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes (collectively, the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2019, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
Changes in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for leases in fiscal year 2019 due to the adoption of Topic 842, Leases, and for revenue from contracts with customers in fiscal year 2018 due to the adoption of Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting in the accompanying Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Evaluation of unrecognized tax benefits
As discussed in Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has recorded unrecognized tax benefits, excluding associated interest, of $188 million. Tax laws are complex and often subject to different interpretations by tax payers and the respective taxing authorities.
We identified the evaluation of unrecognized tax benefits as a critical audit matter. Subjective and complex auditor judgment was required to evaluate tax law and regulations, court rulings and audit settlements in various taxing jurisdictions to assess the population of significant uncertain tax positions identified by the Company arising from tax planning strategies.
The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included the following. We tested certain internal controls over the Company’s process of identification of uncertain tax positions, including controls to (1) identify tax planning strategies that create significant uncertain tax positions, (2) evaluate interpretations of tax laws and court rulings, and (3) assess which tax positions may not be sustained upon examination by a taxing authority. We involved tax professionals with specialized skills and knowledge who assisted in:
•
Obtaining an understanding of the Company’s implementation of tax planning strategies;
•
Identifying new tax positions created by tax planning strategies and comparing the results to the Company’s identification of uncertain tax positions;
•
Evaluating the Company’s interpretation of tax laws and court rulings by developing an independent assessment; and
•
Performing an independent assessment to identify tax positions that may not be sustained upon examination by the respective taxing authority and comparing the results to the Company’s assessment.
Evaluation of intercompany transfer of certain intellectual property rights
As discussed in Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company completed an intercompany restructuring and transfer of certain intellectual property rights primarily to subsidiaries in the United States and United Kingdom (UK). The Company recorded a deferred tax asset of $586 million for the step-up in the tax basis to current fair value of the intellectual property rights transferred to the UK and determined the portion that is amortizable under the applicable tax law. A valuation allowance of $366 million was established for the portion of the deferred tax asset that is not expected to be realized, resulting in a net deferred tax asset of $221 million, which is expected to be amortized and recovered over a 20-year period.
We identified the evaluation of the intercompany transfer of certain intellectual property rights as a critical audit matter. Specifically, subjective and complex auditor judgment was required to evaluate management’s interpretation of UK tax law and regulations in determining the step-up in tax basis of the intellectual property rights and the portion that is amortizable under UK tax law.
The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included the following. We tested certain internal controls over the Company’s evaluation of the intercompany transfer, including controls related to evaluating UK tax laws and regulations, measurement of the tax basis resulting from the intercompany transfer and determining the amortizable portion. We involved tax professionals with specialized skills and knowledge who assisted in:
•
Evaluating the Company’s interpretation of UK tax laws and regulations applicable to the intercompany transfer; and
•
Assessing the Company’s measurement of the tax basis of the intellectual property rights transferred to the UK, including the portion of the tax basis that is amortizable under UK tax law.
/s/ KPMG LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1997.
Louisville, Kentucky
February 19, 2020
Consolidated Statements of Income
Yum! Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Fiscal years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017
(in millions, except per share data)
Revenues
Company sales
$
1,546
$
2,000
$
3,572
Franchise and property revenues
2,660
2,482
2,306
Franchise contributions for advertising and other services
1,391
1,206
-
Total revenues
5,597
5,688
5,878
Costs and Expenses, Net
Company restaurant expenses
1,235
1,634
2,954
General and administrative expenses
Franchise and property expenses
Franchise advertising and other services expense
1,368
1,208
-
Refranchising (gain) loss
(37
)
(540
)
(1,083
)
Other (income) expense
Total costs and expenses, net
3,667
3,392
3,117
Operating Profit
1,930
2,296
2,761
Investment (income) expense, net
(9
)
(5
)
Other pension (income) expense
Interest expense, net
Income before income taxes
1,373
1,839
2,274
Income tax provision
Net Income
$
1,294
$
1,542
$
1,340
Basic Earnings Per Common Share
$
4.23
$
4.80
$
3.86
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share
$
4.14
$
4.69
$
3.77
Dividends Declared Per Common Share
$
1.68
$
1.44
$
0.90
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Yum! Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Fiscal years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017
(in millions)
Net Income
$
1,294
$
1,542
$
1,340
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Translation adjustments and gains (losses) from intra-entity transactions of a long-term investment nature
Adjustments and gains (losses) arising during the year
(94
)
Reclassifications of adjustments and (gains) losses into Net Income
-
(4
)
(98
)
Tax (expense) benefit
(4
)
(8
)
(92
)
Changes in pension and post-retirement benefits
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year
(39
)
(17
)
Reclassification of (gains) losses into Net Income
(29
)
Tax (expense) benefit
(13
)
(14
)
(22
)
Changes in derivative instruments
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year
(51
)
(52
)
Reclassification of (gains) losses into Net Income
(25
)
(39
)
(76
)
(20
)
Tax (expense) benefit
(2
)
(56
)
(14
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(54
)
(65
)
Comprehensive Income
$
1,240
$
1,477
$
1,527
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Yum! Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Fiscal years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017
(in millions)
Cash Flows - Operating Activities
Net Income
$
1,294
$
1,542
$
1,340
Depreciation and amortization
Refranchising (gain) loss
(37
)
(540
)
(1,083
)
Investment (income) expense, net
(9
)
(5
)
Contributions to defined benefit pension plans
(15
)
(16
)
(55
)
Deferred income taxes
(232
)
(11
)
Share-based compensation expense
Changes in accounts and notes receivable
(56
)
(66
)
(19
)
Changes in prepaid expenses and other current assets
(8
)
-
(10
)
Changes in accounts payable and other current liabilities
(36
)
(68
)
(173
)
Changes in income taxes payable
(55
)
Other, net
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
1,315
1,176
1,030
Cash Flows - Investing Activities
Capital spending
(196
)
(234
)
(318
)
QuikOrder acquisition, net of cash acquired
-
(66
)
-
Investment in Grubhub Inc. common stock
-
(200
)
-
Proceeds from refranchising of restaurants
1,773
Other, net
(2
)
(12
)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
(88
)
1,472
Cash Flows - Financing Activities
Proceeds from long-term debt
1,556
1,088
Repayments of long-term debt
(331
)
(1,264
)
(385
)
Revolving credit facilities, three months or less, net
-
-
-
Short-term borrowings, by original maturity
More than three months - proceeds
-
More than three months - payments
(126
)
(59
)
-
Three months or less, net
-
-
-
Repurchase shares of Common Stock
(815
)
(2,390
)
(1,960
)
Dividends paid on Common Stock
(511
)
(462
)
(416
)
Debt issuance costs
(10
)
(13
)
(32
)
Other, net
(75
)
(47
)
(90
)
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
(938
)
(2,620
)
(1,795
)
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents
(63
)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents
(1,194
)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents - Beginning of Year
1,668
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents - End of Year
$
$
$
1,599
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Yum! Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
December 31, 2019 and 2018
(in millions)
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
$
Accounts and notes receivable, net
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Total Current Assets
1,527
1,207
Property, plant and equipment, net
1,170
1,237
Goodwill
Intangible assets, net
Other assets
1,313
Deferred income taxes
Total Assets
$
5,231
$
4,130
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities
$
$
Income taxes payable
Short-term borrowings
Total Current Liabilities
1,541
1,301
Long-term debt
10,131
9,751
Other liabilities and deferred credits
1,575
1,004
Total Liabilities
13,247
12,056
Shareholders’ Deficit
Common Stock, no par value, 750 shares authorized; 300 shares and 306 shares issued in 2019 and 2018, respectively
-
-
Accumulated deficit
(7,628
)
(7,592
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(388
)
(334
)
Total Shareholders’ Deficit
(8,016
)
(7,926
)
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Deficit
$
5,231
$
4,130
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Deficit
Yum! Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Fiscal years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017
(in millions)
Issued Common Stock
Accumulated Deficit
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income(Loss)
Total Shareholders' Deficit
Shares
Amount
Balance at December 31, 2016 (As Restated)
$
-
$
(5,157
)
$
(458
)
$
(5,615
)
Net Income
1,340
1,340
Translation adjustments and gains (losses) from intra-entity transactions of a long-term investment nature (net of tax impact of $8 million)
Reclassification of translation adjustments into income
Pension and post-retirement benefit plans (net of tax impact of $14 million)
Net gain on derivative instruments (net of tax impact of $2 million)
Comprehensive Income
1,527
Dividends declared
(311
)
(311
)
Repurchase of shares of Common Stock
(27
)
-
(1,915
)
(1,915
)
Employee share-based award exercises
(58
)
(20
)
(78
)
Share-based compensation events
-
-
Balance at December 31, 2017
$
-
$
(6,063
)
$
(271
)
$
(6,334
)
Net Income
1,542
1,542
Translation adjustments and gains (losses) from intra-entity transactions of a long-term investment nature (net of tax impact of $6 million)
(88
)
(88
)
Reclassification of translation adjustments into income
(4
)
(4
)
Pension and post-retirement benefit plans (net of tax impact of $13 million)
Net loss on derivative instruments (net of tax impact of $6 million)
(14
)
(14
)
Comprehensive Income
1,477
Dividends declared
(464
)
(464
)
Repurchase of shares of Common Stock
(28
)
(38
)
(2,356
)
(2,394
)
Employee share-based award exercises
(41
)
(41
)
Share-based compensation events
Adoption of accounting standards
(251
)
(249
)
Balance at December 31, 2018
$
-
$
(7,592
)
$
(334
)
$
(7,926
)
Net Income
1,294
1,294
Translation adjustments and gains (losses) from intra-entity transactions of a long-term investment nature (net of tax impact of $4 million)
Pension and post-retirement benefit plans (net of tax impact of $7 million)
(22
)
(22
)
Net loss on derivative instruments (net of tax impact of $20 million)
(56
)
(56
)
Comprehensive Income
1,240
Dividends declared
(514
)
(514
)
Repurchase of shares of Common Stock
(8
)
(14
)
(796
)
(810
)
Employee share-based award exercises
(57
)
(18
)
(75
)
Share-based compensation events
Adoption of accounting standards
(2
)
(2
)
Balance at December 31, 2019
$
-
$
(7,628
)
$
(388
)
$
(8,016
)
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)
Note 1 - Description of Business
Yum! Brands, Inc. and its Subsidiaries (collectively referred to herein as the “Company,” “YUM,” “we,” “us” or “our”) franchises or operates a system of over 50,000 quick service restaurants in more than 150 countries and territories. At December 31, 2019, 98% of these restaurants were owned and operated by franchisees. The Company’s KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell brands (collectively the “Concepts”) are global leaders of the chicken, pizza and Mexican-style food categories.
Through our widely-recognized Concepts, we develop, operate or franchise a system of both traditional and non-traditional quick service restaurants. The terms "franchise" or "franchisee" within these Consolidated Financial Statements are meant to describe third parties that operate units under either franchise or license agreements. Our traditional restaurants feature dine-in, carryout and, in some instances, drive-thru or delivery service. Non-traditional units include express units and kiosks which have a more limited menu and operate in non-traditional locations like malls, airports, gasoline service stations, train stations, subways, convenience stores, stadiums, amusement parks and colleges, where a full-scale traditional outlet would not be practical or efficient. We also operate or franchise multibrand units, where two or more of our Concepts are operated in a single unit.
As of December 31, 2019, YUM consisted of three operating segments:
•
The KFC Division which includes our worldwide operations of the KFC concept
•
The Pizza Hut Division which includes our worldwide operations of the Pizza Hut concept
•
The Taco Bell Division which includes our worldwide operations of the Taco Bell concept
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Our preparation of the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Preparation. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. We consolidate entities in which we have a controlling financial interest, the usual condition of which is ownership of a majority voting interest. We also consider for consolidation an entity, 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 most significant variable interests are in entities that operate restaurants under our Concepts’ franchise and license arrangements. We do not have an equity interest in any of our franchisee businesses except for a minority interest in an entity that owns our KFC Brazil and Pizza Hut Brazil master franchisee rights. This minority interest does not give us the ability to significantly influence the franchisee. Additionally, we do not typically provide significant financial support such as loans or guarantees to our franchisees. However, we do have variable interests in certain franchisees through real estate lease arrangements to which we are a party. At the end of 2019, YUM has future lease payments due from franchisees, on a nominal basis, of approximately $1 billion, and we are secondarily liable on certain other lease agreements that have been assigned to franchisees. See the Lease Guarantees section in Note 19. As our franchise arrangements provide our franchisee 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 otherwise be considered a VIE.
We participate in various advertising cooperatives with our franchisees, typically within a country where we have both Company-owned restaurants and franchise restaurants, established to collect and administer funds contributed for use in advertising and promotional programs designed to increase sales and enhance the reputation of the Company and our Concepts. Contributions to the advertising cooperatives are required for both Company-owned and franchise restaurants and are generally based on a percentage of restaurant sales. We maintain certain variable interests in these cooperatives. As the cooperatives are required to spend all funds collected on advertising and promotional programs, total equity at risk is not sufficient to permit the cooperatives to finance their activities without additional subordinated financial support. Therefore, these cooperatives are VIEs. As a result of our voting rights, we consolidate certain of these cooperatives for which we are the primary beneficiary.
Fiscal Year. YUM's fiscal year begins on January 1 and ends December 31 of each year, with each quarter comprised of three months. Our U.S. subsidiaries and certain international subsidiaries operate on a weekly periodic calendar where the first three quarters of each fiscal year consists of 12 weeks and the fourth quarter consists of 16 weeks in fiscal years with 52 weeks and 17 weeks in fiscal years with 53 weeks. Our remaining international subsidiaries operate on a monthly calendar similar to that on which YUM operates.
Fiscal year 2019 included 53 weeks for our U.S. businesses and for our international subsidiaries that reported on a period calendar. The 53rd week added $66 million to Total revenues, $24 million to Operating Profit and $17 million to Net Income in our 2019 Consolidated Statement of Income.
On January 27, 2017, YUM’s Board of Directors approved a change in the Company's fiscal year from a year ending on the last Saturday of December to a year beginning on January 1 and ending December 31 of each year, commencing with the year ending December 31, 2017. In connection with this change, the Company moved from a 52-week periodic fiscal calendar with three 12-week interim quarters and a 16-week fourth quarter to a monthly reporting calendar with each quarter comprised of three months. Our U.S. subsidiaries continue to report on a period calendar as described above.
Concurrent with the change in the Company's fiscal year, we also eliminated the one month or one period reporting lags of our international subsidiaries. As a result of removing these reporting lags, each international subsidiary operates either on a monthly calendar consistent with the Company’s new calendar or on a periodic calendar consistent with our U.S. subsidiaries. We believe this change in our international subsidiary reporting calendars and the resulting elimination of reporting lags is preferable because a more current reporting calendar allows the Consolidated Financial Statements to more consistently and more timely reflect the impact of current events, economic conditions and global trends.
The change to the Company’s fiscal year and removal of the international reporting lags became effective beginning in 2017. We applied this change in accounting principle retrospectively to financial periods presented prior to 2017.
Our next fiscal year scheduled to include a 53rd week is 2024.
Foreign Currency. The functional currency of our foreign entities is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates. Functional currency determinations are made based upon a number of economic factors, including but not limited to cash flows and financing transactions. The operations, assets and liabilities of our entities outside the U.S. are initially measured using the functional currency of that entity. Income and expense accounts for our operations of these foreign entities are then translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Assets and liabilities of these foreign entities are then translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. As of December 31, 2019, net cumulative translation adjustment losses of $221 million are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCI") in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
The majority of our foreign currency net asset exposure is in countries where we have Company-owned restaurants. As we manage and share resources at the individual brand level within a country, cumulative translation adjustments are recorded and tracked at the foreign-entity level that represents the operations of our individual brands within that country. Translation adjustments recorded in AOCI are subsequently recognized as income or expense generally only upon sale of the related investment in a foreign entity, or upon a sale of assets and liabilities within a foreign entity that represents a complete or substantially complete liquidation of that foreign entity. For purposes of determining whether a sale or complete or substantially complete liquidation of an investment in a foreign entity has occurred, we consider those same foreign entities for which we record and track cumulative translation adjustments.
Gains and losses arising from the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on transactions in foreign currency are included in Other (income) expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Reclassifications. We have reclassified certain items in the Consolidated Financial Statements for prior periods to be comparable with the classification for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported Net Income.
Revenue Recognition. From 2014 through 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued standards to provide principles within a single framework for revenue recognition of transactions involving contracts with customers across all industries ("Topic 606"). We adopted Topic 606 at the beginning of the year ended December 31, 2018. Below is a discussion of how our revenues are earned, our accounting policies pertaining to revenue recognition prior to the adoption of Topic 606 ("Legacy Revenue GAAP"), our accounting policies pertaining to revenue recognition subsequent to the adoption of Topic 606 and other required disclosures. Refer to Note 4 for information regarding the cumulative effect adjustment recorded to Accumulated deficit as of the
beginning of the year ended December 31, 2018 to reflect the adoption of Topic 606. Also included in Note 4 is disclosure of the amount by which each balance sheet and income statement line item was impacted in 2018 as compared to Legacy Revenue GAAP.
Company Sales
Revenues from the sale of food items by Company-owned restaurants are recognized as Company sales when a customer purchases the food, which is when our obligation to perform is satisfied. The timing and amount of revenue recognized related to Company sales was not impacted by the adoption of Topic 606.
Franchise and Property Revenues
Franchise Revenues
Our most significant source of revenues arises from the operation of our Concepts' stores by our franchisees. Franchise rights may be granted through a store-level franchise agreement or through a master franchise agreement that sets out the terms of our arrangement with the franchisee. Our franchise agreements require that the franchisee remit continuing fees to us as a percentage of the applicable restaurant’s sales in exchange for the license of the intellectual property associated with our Concepts' brands (the “franchise right”). Our franchise agreements also typically require certain, less significant, upfront franchise fees such as initial fees paid upon opening of a store, fees paid to renew the term of the franchise right and fees paid in the event the franchise agreement is transferred to another franchisee.
Continuing fees represent the substantial majority of the consideration we receive under our franchise agreements. Continuing fees are typically billed and paid monthly and are usually 4%-6% for store-level franchise agreements. Master franchise agreements allow master franchisees to operate restaurants as well as sub-franchise restaurants within certain geographic territories. The percentage of sales that we receive for restaurants owned or sub-franchised by our master franchisees as a continuing fee is typically less than the percentage we receive for restaurants operating under a store-level franchise agreement. Upfront franchise fees are typically billed and paid when a new franchise or sub-franchise agreement becomes effective or when an existing agreement is transferred to another franchisee or sub-franchisee.
Under Legacy Revenue GAAP, continuing fees were recognized as the related restaurant sales occurred. The timing and amount of revenue recognized related to continuing fees was not impacted by the adoption of Topic 606 based on the application of the sales-based royalty exception within Topic 606. Under Legacy Revenue GAAP, revenue related to initial fees was recognized upon store opening and renewal and transfer fees were recognized when the related agreement became effective. Upon the adoption of Topic 606, we have determined that the services we provide in exchange for these upfront franchise fees, which primarily relate to pre-opening support, are highly interrelated with the franchise right and are not individually distinct from the ongoing services we provide to our franchisees. As a result, upon the adoption of Topic 606, upfront franchise fees are recognized as revenue over the term of each respective franchise or sub-franchise agreement. Revenues for these upfront franchise fees are recognized on a straight-line basis, which is consistent with the franchisee’s or sub-franchisee's right to use and benefit from the intellectual property. Revenues from continuing fees and upfront franchise fees are presented within Franchise and property revenues in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Additionally, from time-to-time we provide non-refundable consideration to franchisees in the form of cash or other incentives (e.g. cash payments to incent new unit openings, free or subsidized equipment, etc.). The Company’s intent in providing such consideration is to drive new unit development or same-store sales growth that will result in higher future revenues for the Company. Under Legacy Revenue GAAP, this consideration was recognized when we were obligated to provide the incentive and was presented as either a reduction to Franchise and property revenues, if cash was provided directly to the franchisee, or as Franchise and property expenses, if cash was not provided directly to the franchisee. Due to the adoption of Topic 606, such payments are capitalized and presented within Prepaid expense and other current assets or Other assets. These assets are being amortized as a reduction in Franchise and property revenues over the period of expected cash flows from the franchise agreements to which the payment relates.
Property Revenues
From time to time, we enter into rental agreements with franchisees for the lease or sublease of restaurant locations. These rental agreements typically originate from refranchising transactions and revenues related to the agreements are recognized as they are earned. Amounts owed under the rental agreements are typically billed and paid on a monthly basis. Revenues from rental agreements with franchisees are presented within Franchise and property revenues within our Consolidated Statements of Income. Related expenses are presented as Franchise and property expenses within our Consolidated Statements of Income and primarily
include depreciation or, in the case of a sublease, rental expense. The timing and amount of revenue and expenses recognized related to the rental of restaurants we lease or sublease was not impacted by the adoption of Topic 606.
Franchise Contributions for Advertising and Other Services
Advertising Cooperatives
Under Legacy Revenue GAAP, receipts and expenditures related to advertising cooperatives we were required to consolidate were presented on a net basis in our Consolidated Statements of Income and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Additionally, assets and liabilities of the advertising cooperatives we were required to consolidate were presented within Advertising cooperative assets, restricted and Advertising cooperative liabilities, respectively, within our Consolidated Balance Sheets. In accordance with the provisions of Topic 606, we have determined we act as a principal in the transactions entered into by the advertising cooperatives we are required to consolidate based on our responsibility to define the nature of the goods or services provided and/or our responsibility to define which franchisees receive the benefit of the goods or services. Additionally, we have determined the advertising services provided to franchisees are highly interrelated with the franchise right and therefore not distinct. Franchisees remit to these consolidated advertising cooperatives a percentage of restaurant sales as consideration for providing the advertising services. As a result, revenues for advertising services are recognized when the related restaurant sales occur based on the application of the sales-based royalty exception within Topic 606. Revenues for these services are typically billed and received on a monthly basis. These revenues are presented as Franchise contributions for advertising and other services. Expenses incurred to provide these services are presented as Franchise advertising and other services expense. When revenues of an advertising cooperative exceed the related advertising expenses, advertising costs are accrued up to the amount of revenues on an annual basis. Lastly, upon adoption of Topic 606 we have reclassified assets and liabilities of advertising cooperatives we are required to consolidate to the respective balance sheet caption to which the assets and liabilities relate.
Other Services
On a much more limited basis, we provide goods or services to certain franchisees that are individually distinct from the franchise right because they do not require integration with other goods or services we provide. Such arrangements typically relate to supply chain, quality assurance and information technology services. In instances where we rely on third parties to provide goods or services to franchisees at our direction, we have determined we act as a principal in these transactions. The extent to which we provide such goods or services varies by brand, geographic region and, in some instances, franchisee. Similar to advertising services, receipts and expenditures related to these other services were presented on a net basis under Legacy Revenue GAAP. Upon adoption of Topic 606, revenues from the goods or services described above are presented as Franchise contributions for advertising and other services within our Consolidated Statements of Income. Expenses related to the provisioning of these goods and services are recorded in Franchise advertising and other services expense. These revenues are recognized as the goods or services are transferred to the franchisee and related expenses are recognized as incurred.
Franchise Support Costs
The internal costs we incur to provide support services to our franchisees for which we do not receive a direct reimbursement are charged to General and administrative expenses (“G&A”) as incurred. Certain direct costs of our franchise operations are charged to Franchise and property expenses. These costs include provisions for estimated uncollectible upfront and continuing fees, rent or depreciation expense associated with restaurants we lease or sublease to franchisees, franchise marketing funding, amortization expense for franchise-related intangible assets, value added taxes on royalties and certain other direct incremental franchise support costs.
Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue transaction and collected from a customer are excluded from revenue under both Legacy Revenue GAAP and Topic 606.
Direct Marketing Costs. To the extent we participate in advertising cooperatives, we expense our contributions as incurred, which are based on a percentage of sales of our Company restaurants. We charge direct marketing costs incurred outside of a cooperative to expense ratably in relation to revenues over the year in which incurred and, in the case of advertising production costs, in the year the advertisement is first shown. Deferred direct marketing costs, which are classified as prepaid expenses, consist of media and related advertising production costs that will generally be used for the first time in the next fiscal year and have historically not been significant. Advertising expenses incurred by our Company-owned restaurants are recorded within Company restaurant expenses and totaled $73 million, $96 million and $179 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Advertising expenses incurred on behalf of franchised restaurants by the Company are recorded within Franchise and property expenses and totaled $10 million, $35 million and $66 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The amounts recorded within Franchise and property expenses include $12.5 million and $25 million related to the Pizza Hut U.S. Transformation Agreement
in 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $10 million and $20 million related to the KFC U.S. Acceleration Agreement in 2018 and 2017, respectively. See Note 4 for further discussion of these agreements. In 2019 and 2018 we incurred an additional $1,133 million and $1,035 million, respectively, in spending attributable to franchise contributions to advertising cooperatives that we consolidate and are now reporting on a gross basis within our Consolidated Statements of Income subsequent to the adoption Topic 606.
Share-Based Employee Compensation. We recognize ongoing share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), in the Consolidated Financial Statements as compensation cost over the service period based on their fair value on the date of grant. This compensation cost is recognized over the service period on a straight-line basis, net of an assumed forfeiture rate, for awards that actually vest. Forfeiture rates are estimated at grant date based on historical experience and compensation cost is adjusted in subsequent periods for differences in actual forfeitures from the previous estimates. We present this compensation cost consistent with the other compensation costs for the employee recipient in either Company restaurant expenses or G&A. See Note 15 for further discussion of our share-based compensation plans.
Legal Costs. Settlement costs are accrued when they are deemed probable and reasonably estimable. Anticipated legal fees related to self-insured workers' compensation, employment practices liability, general liability, automobile liability, product liability and property losses (collectively, "property and casualty losses") are accrued when deemed probable and reasonably estimable. Legal fees not related to self-insured property and casualty losses are recognized as incurred. See Note 19 for further discussion of our legal proceedings.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. Long-lived assets, including Property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”) as well as right-of-use operating lease assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. The assets are not recoverable if their carrying value is less than the undiscounted cash flows we expect to generate from such assets. If the assets are not deemed to be recoverable, impairment is measured based on the excess of their carrying value over their fair value.
For purposes of impairment testing for our restaurants, we have concluded that an individual restaurant is the lowest level of independent cash flows unless it is more likely than not that we will refranchise restaurants as a group. We review our long-lived assets of such individual restaurants (primarily PP&E, right-of-use operating lease assets and allocated intangible assets subject to amortization) that we intend to continue operating as Company restaurants annually for impairment, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a restaurant may not be recoverable. We use two consecutive years of operating losses as our primary indicator of potential impairment for our annual impairment testing of these restaurant assets. We evaluate the recoverability of these restaurant assets by comparing the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, which are based on our entity-specific assumptions, to the carrying value of such assets. For restaurant assets that are not deemed to be recoverable, we write-down an impaired restaurant to its estimated fair value, which becomes its new cost basis. Fair value is an estimate of the price a franchisee would pay for the restaurant and its related assets and is determined by discounting the estimated future after-tax cash flows of the restaurant, which include a deduction for royalties we would receive under a franchise agreement with terms substantially at market. The after-tax cash flows incorporate reasonable assumptions we believe a franchisee would make such as sales growth and margin improvement. The discount rate used in the fair value calculation is our estimate of the required rate of return that a franchisee would expect to receive when purchasing a similar restaurant and the related long-lived assets. The discount rate incorporates rates of returns for historical refranchising market transactions and is commensurate with the risks and uncertainty inherent in the forecasted cash flows. Individual restaurant-level impairment is recorded within Other (income) expense.
In executing our refranchising initiatives, we most often offer groups of restaurants for sale. When we believe it is more likely than not a restaurant or groups of restaurants will be refranchised for a price less than their carrying value, but do not believe the restaurant(s) have met the criteria to be classified as held for sale, we review the restaurants for impairment. We evaluate the recoverability of these restaurant assets by comparing estimated sales proceeds plus holding period cash flows, if any, to the carrying value of the restaurant or group of restaurants. For restaurant assets that are not deemed to be recoverable, we recognize impairment for any excess of carrying value over the fair value of the restaurants, which is based on the expected net sales proceeds. To the extent ongoing agreements to be entered into with the franchisee simultaneous with the refranchising are expected to contain terms, such as royalty rates, not at prevailing market rates, we consider the off-market terms in our impairment evaluation. We recognize any such impairment charges in Refranchising (gain) loss. Refranchising (gain) loss includes the gains or losses from the sales of our restaurants to new and existing franchisees, including any impairment charges discussed above, and associated termination, relocation or retention costs associated with store-level employees of refranchised stores or employees of restaurant-support centers which we have closed due to refranchising. We recognize gains on restaurant refranchisings when the sale transaction closes and control of the restaurant operations have transferred to the franchisee.
When we decide to close a restaurant, it is reviewed for impairment, which includes an estimate of sublease income that could be reasonably obtained, if any, in relation to the right-of-use operating lease asset. Additionally, depreciable lives are adjusted based on the expected disposal date. Other costs incurred when closing a restaurant such as costs of disposing of the assets as well as other facility-related expenses from previously closed stores are generally expensed as incurred. Any costs recorded upon store closure as well as any subsequent adjustments to liabilities for remaining lease obligations as a result of lease termination or changes in estimates of sublease income are recorded in Other (income) expense. To the extent we sell assets, primarily land, associated with a closed store, any gain or loss upon that sale is also recorded in Other (income) expense.
Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate future cash flows, including cash flows from continuing use, terminal value, sublease income and refranchising proceeds. Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from our estimates.
Guarantees. We recognize, at inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of certain obligations undertaken. The majority of our guarantees are issued as a result of assigning our interest in obligations under operating leases as a condition to the refranchising of certain Company restaurants. We recognize a liability for the fair value of such lease guarantees upon refranchising and upon subsequent renewals of such leases when we remain secondarily liable. The related expense and any subsequent changes are included in Refranchising (gain) loss. Any expense and subsequent changes in the guarantees for other franchise support guarantees not associated with a refranchising transaction are included in Franchise and property expenses.
Income Taxes. We record deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases as well as operating loss, capital loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those differences or carryforwards are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in our Income tax provision in the period that includes the enactment date. Additionally, in determining the need for recording a valuation allowance against the carrying amount of deferred tax assets, we consider the amount of taxable income and periods over which it must be earned, actual levels of past taxable income and known trends and events or transactions that are expected to affect future levels of taxable income. Where we determine that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of an asset will not be realized, we record a valuation allowance.
We recognize the benefit of positions taken or expected to be taken in our tax returns in our Income tax provision when it is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than fifty percent) that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the taxing authorities. We evaluate these amounts on a quarterly basis to ensure that they have been appropriately adjusted for audit settlements and other events we believe may impact the outcome. Changes in judgment that result in subsequent recognition, derecognition or a change in measurement of a tax position taken in a prior annual period (including any related interest and penalties) are recognized as a discrete item in the interim period in which the change occurs. We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as components of our Income tax provision.
We do not record a deferred tax liability for unremitted earnings of our foreign subsidiaries to the extent that the earnings meet the indefinite reversal criteria. This criteria is met if the foreign subsidiary has invested, or will invest, the earnings indefinitely. The decision as to the amount of unremitted earnings that we intend to maintain in non-U.S. subsidiaries considers items including, but not limited to, forecasts and budgets of financial needs of cash for working capital, liquidity plans and expected cash requirements in the U.S.
See Note 17 for a further discussion of our income taxes.
Fair Value Measurements. Fair value is the price we would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants. For those assets and liabilities we record or disclose at fair value, we determine fair value based upon the quoted market price, if available. If a quoted market price is not available for identical assets, we determine fair value based upon the quoted market price of similar assets or the present value of expected future cash flows considering the risks involved, including counterparty performance risk if appropriate, and using discount rates appropriate for the duration. The fair values are assigned a level within the fair value hierarchy, depending on the source of the inputs into the calculation.
Level 1
Inputs based upon quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.
Level 2
Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3
Inputs that are unobservable for the asset.
Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash equivalents represent funds we have temporarily invested (with original maturities not exceeding three months), including short-term, highly liquid debt securities. Cash and overdraft balances that meet the criteria for right of setoff are presented net on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Receivables. The Company’s receivables are primarily generated from ongoing business relationships with our franchisees as a result of franchise agreements, as well as contributions due to consolidated advertising cooperatives. These receivables from franchisees are generally due within 30 days of the period in which the corresponding sales occur and are classified as Accounts and notes receivable, net on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Our provision for uncollectible franchisee receivable balances is based upon pre-defined aging criteria or upon the occurrence of other events that indicate that we may not collect the balance due. Additionally, we monitor the financial condition of our franchisees and record provisions for estimated losses on receivables when we believe it probable that our franchisees will be unable to make their required payments. While we use the best information available in making our determination, the ultimate recovery of recorded receivables is also dependent upon future economic events and other conditions that may be beyond our control. Receivables that are ultimately deemed to be uncollectible, and for which collection efforts have been exhausted, are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts.
We recorded $24 million, $11 million and $5 million in net provisions within Franchise and property expenses in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to uncollectible continuing fees, initial fees and rent receivables from our franchisees. Additionally, in 2019 we recorded $19 million in net provisions within Franchise advertising and other services expense related to uncollectible franchisee receivables of advertising cooperatives we are required to consolidate. Our consolidated advertising cooperatives are required to spend contributions from franchisees and us on advertising. To the extent these cooperatives were unable to collect the approximately $1.1 billion in contributions due from participating franchisees in 2019 we recorded the aforementioned bad debt provision. At the same time, we reduced advertising spending to the extent of these uncollectible franchise receivables. Thus, recorded advertising expense was reduced by the same amount as the bad debt provision within these consolidated advertising cooperatives and there was no net, direct impact to our Operating Profit in 2019.
Accounts and notes receivable as well as the Allowance for doubtful accounts, including balances attributable to our consolidated advertising cooperatives, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, are as follows:
Accounts and notes receivable
$
$
Allowance for doubtful accounts
(72
)
(31
)
Accounts and notes receivable, net
$
$
Our financing receivables primarily consist of notes receivables and direct financing leases with franchisees which we enter into from time-to-time. As these receivables primarily relate to our ongoing business agreements with franchisees, we consider such receivables to have similar risk characteristics and evaluate them as one collective portfolio segment and class for determining the allowance for doubtful accounts. We monitor the financial condition of our franchisees and record provisions for estimated losses on receivables when we believe it is probable that our franchisees will be unable to make their required payments. Balances of notes receivable and direct financing leases due within one year are included in Accounts and notes receivable, net while amounts due beyond one year are included in Other assets. Amounts included in Other assets totaled $68 million (net of an allowance of less than $1 million) and $62 million (net of an allowance of $1 million) at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Financing receivables that are ultimately deemed to be uncollectible, and for which collection efforts have been exhausted, are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts. Interest income recorded on financing receivables has historically been insignificant.
Property, Plant and Equipment. We state PP&E at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. We calculate depreciation and amortization on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows: 5 to 25 years for buildings and leasehold improvements and 3 to 20 years for machinery and equipment. We suspend depreciation and amortization on assets that are held for sale.
Leases and Leasehold Improvements. Starting in February 2016 and continuing into 2019, the FASB issued standards on the recognition and measurement of leases ("Topic 842"). We adopted these standards at the beginning of the year ended December 31, 2019, using a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of 2019 and have not recast the comparative periods presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements. The standards provide a number of optional practical expedients and policy elections in transition. We elected the ‘package of practical expedients’ under which we did not reassess under the standards our prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. We did not elect the use-of-hindsight or the practical expedient pertaining to land easements. Refer to Note 4 for information regarding the adjustments recorded to our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of the beginning of the year ended December 31, 2019 to reflect the adoption of Topic 842. Below is information about the nature of our leases, accounting policies and assumptions subsequent to adopting Topic 842.
In certain instances, we lease or sublease certain restaurants to franchisees. Our lessor and sublease portfolio primarily consists of stores that have been leased to franchisees subsequent to refranchising transactions. Our most significant leases with lease and non-lease components are leases with our franchisees that include both the right to use a restaurant as well as a license of the intellectual property associated with our Concepts’ brands. For these leases, which are primarily classified as operating leases, we account for the lease and non-lease components separately. Revenues from rental agreements with franchisees are presented within Franchise and property revenues in our Consolidated Statements of Income and related expenses (e.g. depreciation and rent expense) are presented within Franchise and property expenses. The impact of adopting Topic 842 on the accounting for our lessor and sublease portfolio was not significant.
We lease land, buildings or both for certain of our Company-operated restaurants and restaurant support centers worldwide. Rental expense for leased Company-operated restaurants is presented in our Consolidated Statements of Income as Company restaurant expenses and rental expense for restaurant support centers is presented as G&A. The length of our lease terms, which vary by country and often include renewal options, are an important factor in determining the appropriate accounting for leases including the initial classification of the lease as finance (referred to as “capital” leases prior to the adoption of Topic 842) or operating as well as the timing of recognition of rent expense over the duration of the lease. We include renewal option periods in determining the term of our leases when failure to renew the lease would impose a penalty on the Company in such an amount that a renewal appears to be reasonably certain at the commencement of the lease. The primary penalty to which we are subject is the economic detriment associated with the existence of leasehold improvements that might be impaired if we choose not to continue the use of the leased property. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the lease term. We generally do not receive leasehold improvement incentives upon opening a store that is subject to a lease. We expense rent associated with leased land or buildings while a restaurant is being constructed whether rent is paid or we are subject to a rent holiday. Our leasing activity for other assets, including equipment, is not significant.
Prior to the adoption of Topic 842 (“Legacy Lease GAAP”) liabilities for future rental payments under operating leases were not recognized on the balance sheet of the Company except when recognizing a liability was necessary to reflect the impact of recognizing rent expense on a straight-line basis. Upon the adoption of Topic 842, right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized upon lease commencement for operating leases based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Similar assets and liabilities have historically always been recorded for finance leases. Right-of-use assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Subsequent amortization of the right-of-use 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. For finance leases, the right-of-use 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. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit discount rate, we use our incremental secured borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date, including the lease term and currency, in determining the present value of lease payments for both operating and finance leases. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet; we recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Right-of-use assets are assessed for impairment in accordance with our long-lived asset impairment policy, which is performed annually for restaurant-level assets or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a restaurant may not be recoverable. We reassess lease classification and remeasure right-of-use assets and lease liabilities when a lease is modified and that modification is not accounted for as a separate new lease or upon certain other events that require reassessment in accordance with Topic 842. The difference between operating lease rental expense recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Income and cash payments for operating leases is recognized within Other, net within Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets. From time-to-time, the Company acquires restaurants from one of our Concept’s franchisees or acquires another business. Goodwill from these acquisitions represents the excess of the cost of a business acquired over the
net of the amounts assigned to assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is not amortized and has been assigned to reporting units for purposes of impairment testing. Our reporting units are our business units (which are aligned based on geography) in our KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell Divisions.
We evaluate goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or more often if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate impairment might exist. We have selected the beginning of our fourth quarter as the date on which to perform our ongoing annual impairment test for goodwill. We may elect to perform a qualitative assessment for our reporting units to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying value. If a qualitative assessment is not performed, or if as a result of a qualitative assessment it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, then the reporting unit’s fair value is compared to its carrying value. Fair value is the price a willing buyer would pay for a reporting unit, and is generally estimated using discounted expected future after-tax cash flows from Company-owned restaurant operations, if any, and franchise royalties. The discount rate is our estimate of the required rate of return that a third-party buyer would expect to receive when purchasing a business from us that constitutes a reporting unit. We believe the discount rate is commensurate with the risks and uncertainty inherent in the forecasted cash flows. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is written down to its implied fair value.
If we record goodwill upon acquisition of a restaurant(s) from a franchisee and such restaurant(s) is then sold within two years of acquisition, the goodwill associated with the acquired restaurant(s) is written off in its entirety. If the restaurant is refranchised two years or more subsequent to its acquisition, we include goodwill in the carrying amount of the restaurants disposed of based on the relative fair values of the portion of the reporting unit disposed of in the refranchising and the portion of the reporting unit that will be retained. The fair value of the portion of the reporting unit disposed of in a refranchising is determined by reference to the discounted value of the future cash flows expected to be generated by the restaurant and retained by the franchisee, which includes a deduction for the anticipated, future royalties the franchisee will pay us associated with the franchise agreement entered into simultaneously with the refranchising transition. The fair value of the reporting unit retained is based on the price a willing buyer would pay for the reporting unit and includes the value of franchise agreements. Appropriate adjustments are made if a franchise agreement includes terms that are determined to not be at prevailing market rates. As such, the fair value of the reporting unit retained can include expected cash flows from future royalties from those restaurants currently being refranchised, future royalties from existing franchise businesses and company restaurant operations. As a result, the percentage of a reporting unit’s goodwill that will be written off in a refranchising transaction will be less than the percentage of the reporting unit’s Company-owned restaurants that are refranchised in that transaction and goodwill can be allocated to a reporting unit with only franchise restaurants.
Our definite-lived intangible assets that are not allocated to an individual restaurant are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the intangible asset may not be recoverable. An intangible asset that is deemed not recoverable on an undiscounted basis is written down to its estimated fair value, which is our estimate of the price a willing buyer would pay for the intangible asset based on discounted expected future after-tax cash flows. For purposes of our impairment analysis, we update the cash flows that were initially used to value the definite-lived intangible asset to reflect our current estimates and assumptions over the asset’s future remaining life.
Capitalized Software. We state capitalized software at cost less accumulated amortization within Intangible assets, net on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We calculate amortization on a straight line basis over the estimated useful life of the software which ranges from 3 to 7 years.
Derivative Financial Instruments. We use derivative instruments primarily to hedge interest rate and foreign currency risks. These derivative contracts are entered into with financial institutions. We do not use derivative instruments for trading purposes and we have procedures in place to monitor and control their use.
We record all derivative instruments on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of AOCI and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. For derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, the gain or loss is recognized in the results of operations immediately.
As a result of the use of derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to risk that the counterparties will fail to meet their contractual obligations. To mitigate the counterparty credit risk, we only enter into contracts with carefully selected major financial institutions based upon their credit ratings and other factors, and continually assess the creditworthiness of counterparties. At December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, all of the counterparties to our interest rate swaps and foreign currency forwards had investment grade ratings according to the three major ratings agencies. To date, all counterparties have performed in accordance with their contractual obligations.
Common Stock Share Repurchases. From time-to-time, we repurchase shares of our Common Stock under share repurchase programs authorized by our Board of Directors. Shares repurchased constitute authorized, but unissued shares under the North Carolina laws under which we are incorporated. Additionally, our Common Stock has no par or stated value. Accordingly, we record the full value of share repurchases, or other deductions to Common Stock such as shares cancelled upon employee share-based award exercises, upon the trade date, against Common Stock on our Consolidated Balance Sheet except when to do so would result in a negative balance in such Common Stock account. In such instances, on a period basis, we record the cost of any further share repurchases, or other deductions to Common Stock as an addition to Accumulated deficit. Due to the large number of share repurchases of our stock over the past several years, our Common Stock balance is frequently zero at the end of any period. Accordingly, $796 million, $2,356 million and $1,915 million in share repurchases in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were recorded as an addition to Accumulated deficit. Additionally $18 million and $20 million related to shares cancelled upon employee share-based award exercises in 2019 and 2017 were recorded as an addition to Accumulated deficit, respectively. See Note 16 for additional information on our share repurchases.
Pension and Post-retirement Medical Benefits. We measure and recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of our pension and post-retirement plans as an asset or liability in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of our fiscal year end. The funded status represents the difference between the projected benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets, which is calculated on a plan-by-plan basis. The projected benefit obligation and related funded status are determined using assumptions as of the end of each year. The projected benefit obligation is the present value of benefits earned to date by plan participants, including the effect of future salary increases, as applicable. The difference between the projected benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets that has not previously been recognized in our Consolidated Statement of Income is recorded as a component of AOCI.
The net periodic benefit costs associated with the Company's defined benefit pension and post-retirement medical plans are determined using assumptions regarding the projected benefit obligation and, for funded plans, the market-related value of plan assets as of the beginning of each year, or remeasurement period, if applicable. We record the service cost component of net periodic benefit costs in G&A. Non-service cost components are recorded in Other pension (income) expense. We have elected to use a market-related value of plan assets to calculate the expected return on assets, net of administrative and investment fees paid from plan assets, in net periodic benefit costs. For each individual plan we amortize into pension expense the net amounts in AOCI, as adjusted for the difference between the fair value and market-related value of plan assets, to the extent that such amounts exceed 10% of the greater of a plan’s projected benefit obligation or market-related value of assets, over the remaining service period of active participants in the plan or, for plans with no active participants, over the expected average life expectancy of the inactive participants in the plan. The market-related value of plan assets is the fair value of plan assets as of the beginning of each year adjusted for variances between actual returns and expected returns. We attribute such variances to the market-related value of plan assets evenly over five years. We record a curtailment when an event occurs that significantly reduces the expected years of future service or eliminates the accrual of defined benefits for the future services of a significant number of employees. We record a curtailment gain when the employees who are entitled to the benefits terminate their employment; we record a curtailment loss when it becomes probable a loss will occur.
We recognize settlement gains or losses only when we have determined that the cost of all settlements in a year will exceed the sum of the service and interest costs within an individual plan.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In June 2016, the FASB issued a standard that requires measurement and recognition of expected versus incurred credit losses for financial assets held. The standard is effective for the Company in our first quarter of fiscal 2020 and any impact upon adoption will be reflected through a cumulative-effect adjustment to Accumulated deficit as of the beginning of 2020. We do not anticipate the impact of adopting this standard will be material to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Note 3 - Earnings Per Common Share (“EPS”)
Net Income
$
1,294
$
1,542
$
1,340
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (for basic calculation)
Effect of dilutive share-based employee compensation
Weighted-average common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding (for diluted calculation)
Basic EPS
$
4.23
$
4.80
$
3.86
Diluted EPS
$
4.14
$
4.69
$
3.77
Unexercised employee stock options and stock appreciation rights (in millions) excluded from the diluted EPS computation(a)
2.0
2.0
2.3
(a)
These unexercised employee stock options and stock appreciation rights were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because to do so would have been antidilutive for the periods presented.
Note 4 - Items Affecting Comparability of Net Income and Cash Flows
Refranchising (Gain) Loss
The Refranchising (gain) loss by our Divisional reportable segments is presented below. Given the size and volatility of refranchising initiatives, our chief operating decision maker ("CODM") does not consider the impact of Refranchising (gain) loss when assessing Divisional segment performance. As such, we do not allocate such gains and losses to our Divisional segments for performance reporting purposes.
During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, we refranchised 25, 660 and 1,470 restaurants, respectively. Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2019, we sold certain restaurant assets associated with existing franchise restaurants to the franchisee. We received $110 million, $825 million and $1,773 million in pre-tax refranchising proceeds in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
A summary of Refranchising (gain) loss is as follows:
Refranchising (gain) loss
KFC Division
$
(6
)
$
(240
)
$
(581
)
Pizza Hut Division
-
(16
)
Taco Bell Division
(31
)
(313
)
(486
)
Worldwide
$
(37
)
$
(540
)
$
(1,083
)
As a result of classifying restaurant and related assets as held for sale and ceasing depreciation expense, depreciation expense was reduced versus what would have otherwise been recorded by less than $1 million, $3 million and $10 million during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Our CODM does not consider the impact of these depreciation reductions, which were recorded within Company restaurant expenses, when assessing Divisional segment performance. These depreciation reductions were recorded as an unallocated benefit and were not allocated to the Division segments resulting in depreciation expense continuing to be recorded within our Divisional results at the rate at which it was prior to the held for sale classification.
Pizza Hut U.S. Transformation Agreement
In May 2017, we reached an agreement with Pizza Hut U.S. franchisees that will improve brand marketing alignment, accelerate enhancements in operations and technology and that included a permanent commitment to incremental advertising as well as digital and technology contributions by franchisees (the “Transformation Agreement”). In connection with the Transformation Agreement we anticipate investing approximately $90 million from 2017 to 2020 to upgrade restaurant equipment to improve operations,
fund improvements in restaurant technology and enhance digital and e-commerce capabilities. As of December 31, 2019, we have invested $89 million since the inception of the agreement.
We have invested $25 million, $25 million and $39 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to the Transformation Agreement. These amounts consisted of capital investments and franchisee incentive payments that were capitalized. Also included are operating investments of $13 million, $6 million and $31 million in the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Due to their unique and long-term brand-building nature as well as their non-recurring impact on Pizza Hut’s Division results, the financial impact of operating investments that are part of the Transformation Agreement are not being considered by our CODM when assessing segment performance. As such, these operating investments are not being allocated to the Pizza Hut Division operating segment results for performance reporting purposes.
Depreciation on capital investments made as part of the Transformation Agreement is being allocated to Pizza Hut segment results as the expense is recurring and is not expected to significantly impact the comparability of results in any given period. For the same reasons, the amortization related to capitalized franchisee incentive payments is being allocated to Pizza Hut Division operating segment results.
In addition to the investments above, we funded $37.5 million of incremental system advertising from the second half of 2017 through 2018, including $12.5 million and $25 million we incurred during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. These advertising amounts were recorded primarily in Franchise and property expenses and were included in the Pizza Hut Division segment operating results.
KFC U.S. Acceleration Agreement
During 2015, we reached an agreement with our KFC U.S. franchisees that gave us control of brand marketing execution as well as an accelerated path to expanded menu offerings, improved assets and enhanced customer experience. In connection with this agreement we invested approximately $130 million from 2015 through 2019. These investments, which primarily related to new back-of-house equipment for franchisees and incentives to accelerate franchisee store remodels, totaled $6 million, $6 million and $17 million in the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. To the extent these investments were not capitalized ($2 million in 2018 and $17 million in 2017) the financial impacts of the investments were not considered by our CODM when assessing segment performance. As such, these investments are not being allocated to the KFC Division operating segment results for performance reporting purposes. As of December 31, 2019 the initiatives related to this program are substantially complete.
In addition to the investments above, we funded $60 million of incremental system advertising from 2015 through 2018, including $10 million and $20 million incurred during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. These advertising amounts were recorded primarily in Franchise and property expenses and were included in the KFC Division segment operating results.
Turkey Acquisition Contingent Consideration
During the second quarter of 2019 we recorded charges of $8 million and $2 million to Other (income) expense and Interest expense, net, respectively, related to cash payments in excess of our recorded liability to settle contingent consideration associated with our 2013 acquisition of the KFC Turkey and Pizza Hut Turkey businesses. Consistent with prior adjustments to the recorded contingent consideration, our CODM does not consider this charge when assessing segment performance due to the nature of these costs. As such, these costs were not allocated to any of our segment operating results for performance reporting purposes.
Investment in Grubhub, Inc. ("Grubhub")
On February 7, 2018, certain of our subsidiaries entered into a master services agreement with a subsidiary of Grubhub, an online and mobile takeout food-ordering company in the U.S., which is intended to provide dedicated support for the KFC and Taco Bell branded online delivery channels in the U.S. through Grubhub’s online ordering platform, logistics and last-mile support for delivery orders, as well as point-of-sale integration to streamline operations. Concurrently with the master services agreement, one of our subsidiaries entered into an investment agreement with Grubhub to invest $200 million in exchange for approximately 2.8 million shares of Grubhub common stock, subject to customary closing conditions. In April 2018, all necessary regulatory approvals were obtained and the purchase of Grubhub shares was consummated. Shares acquired as part of this purchase are restricted from being transferred until the earlier of the two-year anniversary of closing the investment agreement or 30 days following the termination of our master services agreement with Grubhub. In the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 we recognized pre-tax expense of $77 million and pre-tax income of $14 million, respectively, related to the mark-to-market of these
shares, which includes the respective depreciation and appreciation in the market price of Grubhub common stock. Changes in the fair value of our investment in Grubhub common stock are presented as Investment (income) expense, net within our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Income Tax Matters
During the year ended December 31, 2019 we completed intercompany transfers of certain intellectual property rights. As a result of the transfer of certain of these rights, largely to subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, we received a step-up in tax basis to current fair value under applicable tax law. To the extent this step-up in basis will be amortizable against future taxable income, we recognized a one-time deferred tax benefit of $226 million in the year ended December 31, 2019.
We recognized $434 million in our Income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2017 as a result of the December 22, 2017 enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 ("Tax Act"). During the year ended December 31, 2018, we recorded a $35 million decrease related to our provisional tax expense recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017 associated with the Tax Act.
See Note 17.
YUM's Strategic Transformation Initiatives
In October 2016, we announced our strategic transformation plans to drive global expansion of the KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell brands ("YUM's Strategic Transformation Initiatives") following the then anticipated spin-off of our China business (the "Separation") on October 31, 2016 into an independent, publicly-traded company under the name of Yum China Holdings, Inc. ("Yum China"). Major features of the Company’s strategic transformation plans involved being more focused on the development of our three brands, increasing our franchise ownership and creating a leaner, more efficient cost structure. We incurred pre-tax costs of $8 million and $23 million related to our Strategic Transformation Initiatives in 2018 and 2017, respectively, primarily recorded in G&A. In 2018 and 2017, these costs included contract termination costs and relocation and severance costs for restaurant-support center employees. Due to the scope of the initiatives as well as their significance, our CODM did not consider the associated cost when assessing segment performance. As such, these costs were not allocated to any of our segment operating results for performance reporting purposes.
Modifications of Share-based Compensation Awards
In connection with the Separation, we modified certain share-based compensation awards held as part of our Executive Income Deferral ("EID") Plan in phantom shares of YUM Common Stock to provide one phantom Yum China share-based award for each outstanding phantom YUM share-based award. Through October 31, 2018, these Yum China awards could be settled in cash, as opposed to stock, which required recognition of the fair value of these awards within G&A in our Consolidated Income Statement. During 2018 and 2017, we recorded pre-tax credits of $3 million and charges of $18 million, respectively, related to these awards due to changes in the market price of Yum China's common stock. Given these adjustments were a direct result of the separation of our China business, our CODM did not consider their impact when assessing segment performance. As such, these amounts were not allocated to any of our segment operating results.
Beginning October 31, 2018, deferrals in phantom shares of Yum China common stock were no longer an investment option within our EID Plan and any balances relating to these phantom shares were moved to another available EID Plan investment option as selected by the participants. Amounts directed into cash or phantom shares of a Stock Index Fund or a Bond Index Fund remained classified as a liability and any appreciation or depreciation in these investments from the transfer date forward is being recognized as compensation expense and included in our segment operating results consistent with existing investments in these funds. Any balances directed into phantom shares of YUM Common Stock were reclassified to Common Stock on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. We do not recognize compensation expense for the appreciation or depreciation, if any, of investments in phantom shares of our Common Stock. See Note 15 for further description of our EID Plan.
Impact of Adopting New Lease Standards
As discussed in Note 2, we adopted Topic 842 at the beginning of the year ended December 31, 2019, using a modified retrospective method. Topic 842 was applied to all leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of 2019. As a result of adopting Topic 842, the following adjustments were made to the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of the beginning of the year ended December 31, 2019:
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
As Reported 12/31/2018
Adjustments
Balances with Adoption of Topic 842 1/1/2019
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
$
-
$
Accounts and notes receivable, net
-
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(10
)
Total Current Assets
1,207
(10
)
1,197
Property, plant and equipment, net
1,237
-
1,237
Goodwill
-
Intangible assets, net
-
Other assets
1,413
Deferred income taxes
-
Total Assets
$
4,130
$
$
4,809
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities
$
$
$
Income taxes payable
-
Short-term borrowings
-
Total Current Liabilities
1,301
1,377
Long-term debt
9,751
-
9,751
Other liabilities and deferred credits
1,004
1,609
Total Liabilities
12,056
12,737
Shareholders’ Deficit
Accumulated deficit
(7,592
)
(2
)
(7,594
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(334
)
-
(334
)
Total Shareholders’ Deficit
(7,926
)
(2
)
(7,928
)
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Deficit
$
4,130
$
$
4,809
We recorded lease liabilities within Accounts payable and other current liabilities and Other liabilities and deferred credits of $83 million and $661 million, respectively, related to the present value of the remaining operating lease payments. These adjustments were partially offset by reductions to Accounts payable and other current liabilities and Other liabilities and deferred credits of $7 million and $56 million, respectively, primarily related to the write offs of liabilities previously recorded to reflect the impact of recognizing rent expense on a straight-line basis when lease payments were escalating under Legacy Lease GAAP. Additionally, lease liabilities recognized upon adoption were offset by the write-off of prepaid rent of $11 million that was recorded under Legacy Lease GAAP resulting in a decrease within Prepaid expenses and other current assets and Other assets of $10 million and $1 million, respectively.
We recorded a corresponding right-of-use asset within Other Assets of $690 million. This right-of-use asset reflected a $2 million impairment charge that would have been recorded before adoption of Topic 842 had the right-of-use asset been recognized under Legacy Lease GAAP. A related increase was recorded in Accumulated deficit.
Impact of Adopting New Revenue Recognition Standards
As discussed in Note 2, we adopted Topic 606 at the beginning of the year ended December 31, 2018, using the modified retrospective method. Topic 606 was applied to all contracts with customers as of January 1, 2018 and the cumulative effective of this transition was recorded as an adjustment to Accumulated deficit as of this date. As a result, the following adjustments were made to the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2018:
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
As Reported 12/31/2017
Adjustments
Balances with Adoption of Topic 606 1/1/2018
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,522
$
$
1,533
Accounts and notes receivable, net
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(a)
Advertising cooperative assets, restricted
(201
)
-
Total Current Assets
2,507
(2
)
2,505
Property, plant and equipment, net
1,594
1,596
Goodwill
-
Intangible assets, net
Other assets
Deferred income taxes
Total Assets
$
5,311
$
$
5,464
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities
$
$
$
1,033
Income taxes payable
-
Short-term borrowings
-
Advertising cooperative liabilities
(201
)
-
Total Current Liabilities
1,512
1,531
Long-term debt
9,429
-
9,429
Other liabilities and deferred credits
1,057
Total Liabilities
11,645
12,017
Shareholders’ Deficit
Accumulated deficit
(6,063
)
(240
)
(6,303
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(271
)
(250
)
Total Shareholders’ Deficit
(6,334
)
(219
)
(6,553
)
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Deficit
$
5,311
$
$
5,464
(a)
Includes $58 million of restricted cash related to advertising cooperatives. These balances can only be used to settle obligations of the respective cooperatives.
We recorded an increase in Accounts payable and other current liabilities and Other liabilities and deferred credits of $57 million and $335 million, respectively, as part of our cumulative adjustment related to unamortized upfront franchise fees, with a corresponding $392 million increase in Accumulated deficit. We recorded increases in Prepaid expenses and other current assets and Other assets of $18 million and $118 million, respectively, as part of our cumulative adjustment related to unamortized franchise incentives, with a corresponding $136 million decrease in Accumulated deficit.
Deferred income taxes increased $26 million as a result of recording the tax effects of the two adjustments noted above, with a corresponding decrease to Accumulated deficit. Accumulated other comprehensive loss decreased $21 million as a result of recognizing the impact of foreign currency translation related to the three adjustments noted above, with a corresponding increase in Accumulated deficit.
The remaining adjustments to our December 31, 2017 Consolidated Balance Sheet are primarily a result of reclassifying the assets and liabilities of our consolidated advertising cooperative from Advertising cooperative assets, restricted and Advertising cooperative liabilities to the respective balance sheet caption to which the assets and liabilities relate.
The following tables reflect the impact of the adoption of Topic 606 on our Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2018 and our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2018.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
Year ended 12/31/2018
Revenues
As Reported
Impact
Balances under Legacy Revenue GAAP
Company sales
$
2,000
$
-
$
2,000
Franchise and property revenues
2,482
2,525
Franchise contributions for advertising and other services
1,206
(1,206
)
-
Total revenues
5,688
(1,163
)
4,525
Costs and Expenses, Net
Company restaurant expenses
1,634
-
1,634
General and administrative expenses
-
Franchise and property expenses
Franchise advertising and other services expense
1,208
(1,208
)
-
Refranchising (gain) loss
(540
)
(536
)
Other (income) expense
-
Total costs and expenses, net
3,392
(1,177
)
2,215
Operating Profit
2,296
(a)
2,310
Investment (income) expense, net
(9
)
-
(9
)
Other pension (income) expense
-
Interest expense, net
-
Income before income taxes
1,839
1,853
Income tax provision (benefit)
Net Income
$
1,542
$
$
1,553
Basic Earnings Per Common Share
$
4.80
$
0.03
$
4.83
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share
$
4.69
$
0.03
$
4.72
(a)
Includes $23 million of franchise incentive payments made to or on behalf of franchisees during 2018 that under Legacy Revenue GAAP would have been recognized as expense in full in 2018. Due to the size and nature of such payments, we historically would not have allocated their impact to our Divisional results. Upon the adoption of Topic 606, these payments have been capitalized as assets.
Upon the adoption of Topic 606, the timing and amount of revenue recognized for upfront franchise fees and franchise incentives changed from upfront recognition under Legacy Revenue GAAP to recognition over the term of the franchise agreement to which the fees and incentives relate. Also, under Legacy Revenue GAAP, amounts reported as Franchise contributions for advertising and other services and Franchise advertising and other services expense were presented on a net basis. Upon the adoption of Topic
606, these amounts require gross presentation in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Lastly, Legacy Revenue GAAP required that certain value-added taxes withheld and remitted on our behalf by our franchisees be reported as revenue and corresponding expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Upon adoption of Topic 606, these taxes are reported on a net basis as a reduction in Franchise and property revenues.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
As Reported 12/31/2018
Impact
Balances under Legacy Revenue GAAP 12/31/2018
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
$
(13
)
$
Accounts and notes receivable, net
(120
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(107
)
Advertising cooperative assets, restricted
-
Total Current Assets
1,207
1,208
Property, plant and equipment, net
1,237
(2
)
1,235
Goodwill
-
Intangible assets, net
(16
)
Other assets
(127
)
Deferred income taxes
(25
)
Total Assets
$
4,130
$
(169
)
$
3,961
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities
$
$
(287
)
$
Income taxes payable
-
Short-term borrowings
-
Advertising cooperative liabilities
-
Total Current Liabilities
1,301
(46
)
1,255
Long-term debt
9,751
-
9,751
Other liabilities and deferred credits
1,004
(354
)
Total Liabilities
12,056
(400
)
11,656
Shareholders’ Deficit
Accumulated deficit
(7,592
)
(7,341
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(334
)
(20
)
(354
)
Total Shareholders’ Deficit
(7,926
)
(7,695
)
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Deficit
$
4,130
$
(169
)
$
3,961
The significant impacts resulting from the adoption of Topic 606 on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2018, are consistent with those recorded as of January 1, 2018 as described previously.
Under Legacy Revenue GAAP, Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents pertaining to advertising cooperatives that we were required to consolidate were classified within Advertising cooperative assets, restricted. Upon adoption of Topic 606, these amounts are reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheet and changes in these balances are reported within our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
Items Impacting Other Pension (Income) Expense
During the first quarter of 2017, as a result of the completion of a pension data review and reconciliation, we recorded a non-cash, out-of-year charge of $22 million to Other pension (income) expense to adjust our historical U.S. pension liability related to our deferred vested participants. Our CODM did not consider the impact of this charge when assessing segment performance given the number of years over which it accumulated. As such, this cost was not allocated to any of our segment operating results for performance reporting purposes. See Note 14 for further discussion of our pension plans.
Note 5 - Revenue Recognition
Disaggregation of Total Revenues
The following table disaggregates revenue by Concept, for our two most significant markets based on Operating Profit and for all other markets. We believe this disaggregation best reflects the extent to which the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of our revenues and cash flows are impacted by economic factors.
KFC Division
Pizza Hut Division
Taco Bell Division
Total
U.S.
Company sales
$
$
$
$
1,014
Franchise revenues
1,059
Property revenues
Franchise contributions for advertising and other services
China
Franchise revenues
-
Other
Company sales
Franchise revenues
1,185
Property revenues
-
Franchise contributions for advertising and other services
$
2,491
$
1,027
$
2,079
$
5,597
KFC Division
Pizza Hut Division
Taco Bell Division
Total
U.S.
Company sales
$
$
$
1,034
$
1,143
Franchise revenues
Property revenues
Franchise contributions for advertising and other services
China
Franchise revenues
-
Other
Company sales
Franchise revenues
1,097
Property revenues
-
Franchise contributions for advertising and other services
$
2,644
$
$
2,056
$
5,688
Property revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $86 million.
Contract Liabilities
Our contract liabilities are comprised of unamortized upfront fees received from franchisees. A summary of significant changes to the contract liability balance during 2019 and 2018 is presented below.
Deferred Franchise Fees
Balance at January 1, 2018
$
Revenue recognized that was included in unamortized upfront fees received from franchisees at the beginning of the period
(66
)
Increase for upfront fees associated with contracts that became effective during the period, net of amounts recognized as revenue during the period
Other(a)
(14
)
Balance at December 31, 2018
$
Revenue recognized that was included in unamortized upfront fees received from franchisees at the beginning of the period
(70
)
Increase for upfront fees associated with contracts that became effective during the period, net of amounts recognized as revenue during the period
Other(a)
Balance at December 31, 2019
$
(a)
Includes impact of foreign currency translation as well as, in 2018, the recognition of deferred franchise fees into Refranchising (gain) loss upon the modification of existing franchise agreements when entering into master franchise agreements.
We expect to recognize contract liabilities as revenue over the remaining term of the associated franchise agreement as follows:
Less than 1 year
$
1 - 2 years
2 - 3 years
3 - 4 years
4 - 5 years
Thereafter
Total
$
We have applied the optional exemption, as provided for under Topic 606, which allows us to not disclose the transaction price allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations when the transaction price is a sales-based royalty.
Note 6 - Supplemental Cash Flow Data
Cash Paid For:
Interest
$
$
$
Income taxes
Significant Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Finance lease obligations incurred
$
$
$
Finance lease and other debt obligations transferred through refranchising
(1
)
(24
)
(35
)
Reconciliation of Cash and cash equivalents to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
Cash and cash equivalents as presented in Consolidated Balance Sheets
$
$
$
1,522
Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets(a)
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents included in Other assets(b)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash as presented in Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows(c)
$
$
$
1,599
(a)
Restricted cash within Prepaid expenses and other current assets reflects Taco Bell Securitization interest reserves (See Note 10) and the cash related to advertising cooperatives that we consolidate that can only be used to settle obligations of the respective cooperatives.
(b)
Primarily trust accounts related to our self-insurance program.
(c)
Upon adoption of Topic 606 we reclassified cash of $11 million and restricted cash of $58 million, respectively, from Advertising cooperative assets, restricted to Cash and cash equivalents and Prepaid expenses and other current assets. These amounts are included in the Beginning of Year balance of Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash equivalents in our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Note 7 - Other (Income) Expense
Foreign exchange net (gain) loss and other(a)
$
(1
)
$
$
Closure and impairment expense
Other (income) expense
$
$
$
(a)
2019 includes settlement of contingent consideration associated with our 2013 acquisition of the KFC Turkey and Pizza Hut Turkey businesses (See Note 4).
Note 8 - Supplemental Balance Sheet Information
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Income tax receivable
$
$
Restricted cash
Assets held for sale(a)
Other prepaid expenses and current assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
$
$
Property, Plant and Equipment
Land
$
$
Buildings and improvements
1,325
1,349
Finance leases, primarily buildings
Machinery, equipment and other
Property, plant and equipment, gross
2,306
2,353
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
(1,136
)
(1,116
)
Property, plant and equipment, net
$
1,170
$
1,237
Depreciation and amortization expense related to PP&E was $114 million, $146 million and $215 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Other Assets
Operating lease right-of-use assets(b)
$
$
-
Investment in Grubhub common stock(c)
Franchise incentives
Other
Other assets
$
1,313
$
Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities
Accounts payable
$
$
Accrued compensation and benefits
Accrued advertising
Operating lease liabilities(b)
-
Accrued taxes, other than income taxes
Other current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities
$
$
(a)
Reflects the carrying value of restaurants we have offered for sale to franchisees and excess properties that we do not intend to use for restaurant operations in the future.
(b)
Increase from 2018 primarily due to the adoption of Topic 842 beginning with the year ended December 31, 2019. See Notes 2 and 4 for further discussion.
(c)
Refer to Note 4 for additional discussion regarding our investment in Grubhub.
Note 9 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:
KFC
Pizza Hut
Taco Bell
Worldwide
Goodwill, net as of December 31, 2017(a)
$
$
$
$
Disposal and other, net(b)
(17
)
(5
)
(4
)
(26
)
QuikOrder acquisition(c)
-
-
Goodwill, net as of December 31, 2018(a)
$
$
$
$
Disposal and other, net(b)
(1
)
Goodwill, net as of December 31, 2019(a)
$
$
$
$
(a)
Goodwill, net includes $17 million of accumulated impairment losses for each year presented related to our Pizza Hut segment.
(b)
Disposals and other, net includes the impact of foreign currency translation on existing balances and goodwill write-offs associated with refranchising.
(c)
In December 2018, we completed the acquisition of QuikOrder, LLC, an online ordering software and service provider for the restaurant industry (“QuikOrder”), who was a provider of services to Company and franchise restaurants of our Pizza Hut U.S. business for nearly two decades. The purchase price allocated for accounting purposes of $77 million consisted of cash, net of cash acquired, in the amount of $66 million, settlement of a prepaid asset of $6 million related to our preexisting contractual relationship with QuikOrder and contingent consideration of $5 million. The contingent consideration was paid in the year ended December 31, 2019. The acquisition was part of our strategy to deliver an easy and personalized online ordering experience and accelerate digital innovation. Subsequent to the acquisition, fees paid by franchisees for use of the QuikOrder software are being presented within Franchise contributions for advertising and other services. Associated costs we incur are being presented within Franchise advertising and other services expense and G&A.
The primary assets recorded as a result of the purchase price allocation were goodwill of $39 million and amortizable intangible assets (primarily software) of $33 million. The goodwill recorded resulted from increased synergies expected to be achieved through leveraging our scale and resources to enhance the services previously offered by QuikOrder. The goodwill amortization is deductible for tax purposes and has been allocated to the Pizza Hut U.S. reporting unit.
The pro forma impact on our results of operations if the acquisition had been completed as of the beginning of 2017 would not have been significant. The direct transaction costs associated with the acquisition were also not material and were expensed as incurred.
Intangible assets, net for the years ended 2019 and 2018 are as follows:
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Definite-lived intangible assets
Capitalized software costs
$
$
(130
)
$
$
(156
)
Reacquired franchise rights
(32
)
(30
)
Franchise contract rights
(83
)
(79
)
Lease tenancy rights
(1
)
(1
)
Other
(28
)
(27
)
$
$
(274
)
$
$
(293
)
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
KFC trademark
$
$
Amortization expense for all definite-lived intangible assets was $52 million in 2019, $37 million in 2018 and $33 million in 2017. Amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets is expected to approximate $53 million in 2020, $42 million in 2021, $25 million in 2022, $19 million in 2023 and $14 million in 2024.
Note 10 - Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt
Short-term Borrowings
Current maturities of long-term debt
$
$
Other
-
Less current portion of debt issuance costs and discounts
(10
)
(10
)
Short-term borrowings
$
$
Long-term Debt
Securitization Notes
$
2,898
$
2,928
Subsidiary Senior Unsecured Notes
2,850
2,850
Term Loan A Facility
Term Loan B Facility
1,935
1,955
YUM Senior Unsecured Notes
2,425
1,875
Finance lease obligations (See Note 11)
$
10,648
$
10,167
Less debt issuance costs and discounts
(80
)
(85
)
Less current maturities of long-term debt
(437
)
(331
)
Long-term debt
$
10,131
$
9,751
Securitization Notes
Taco Bell Funding, LLC (the “Issuer”), a special purpose limited liability company and a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Taco Bell Corp. (“TBC”) through a series of securitization transactions has issued fixed rate senior secured notes collectively referred to as the “Securitization Notes”. The following table summarizes Securitization Notes outstanding at December 31, 2019:
Interest Rate
Issuance Date
Anticipated Repayment Date(a)
Outstanding Principal
(in millions)
Stated
Effective(b)
May 2016
May 2023
$
4.377
%
4.59
%
May 2016
May 2026
$
4.970
%
5.14
%
November 2018
November 2023
$
4.318
%
4.53
%
November 2018
November 2028
$
4.940
%
5.06
%
(a)
The legal final maturity dates of the Securitization Notes issued in 2016 and 2018 are May 2046 and November 2048, respectively. If the Issuer has not repaid or refinanced a series of Securitization Notes prior to its respective Anticipated Repayment Dates, rapid amortization of principal on all Securitization Notes will occur and additional interest will accrue on the Securitization Notes.
(b)
Includes the effects of the amortization of any discount and debt issuance costs.
The Securitization Notes were issued in transactions pursuant to which certain of TBC’s domestic assets, consisting principally of franchise-related agreements and domestic intellectual property, were contributed to the Issuer and the Issuer’s special purpose, wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”, and collectively with the Issuer, the "Securitization Entities") to secure the Securitization Notes. The Securitization Notes are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Securitization Entities, and include a lien on all existing and future U.S. Taco Bell franchise and license agreements and the royalties payable thereunder, existing and future U.S. Taco Bell intellectual property, certain transaction accounts and a pledge of the equity interests in asset owning Securitization Entities. The remaining U.S. Taco Bell assets that were excluded from the transfers to the Securitization Entities continue to be held by Taco Bell of America, LLC ("TBA") and TBC. The Securitization Notes are not guaranteed by the remaining U.S. Taco Bell assets, the Company, or any other subsidiary of the Company.
Payments of interest and principal on the Securitization Notes are made from the continuing fees paid pursuant to the franchise and license agreements with all U.S. Taco Bell restaurants, including both company and franchise operated restaurants. Interest on and principal payments of the Securitization Notes are due on a quarterly basis. In general, no amortization of principal of the Securitization Notes is required prior to their anticipated repayment dates unless as of any quarterly measurement date the consolidated leverage ratio (the ratio of total debt to Net Cash Flow (as defined in the related indenture)) for the preceding four fiscal quarters of either the Company and its subsidiaries or the Issuer and its subsidiaries exceeds 5.0:1, in which case amortization payments of 1% per year of the outstanding principal as of the closing of the Securitization Notes are required. As of the most recent quarterly measurement date the consolidated leverage ratio exceeded 5.0:1 and, as a result, amortization payments are required.
The Securitization Notes are subject to a series of covenants and restrictions customary for transactions of this type, including (i) that the Issuer maintains specified reserve accounts to be available to make required interest payments in respect of the Securitization Notes, (ii) provisions relating to optional and mandatory prepayments and the related payment of specified amounts, including specified make-whole payments in the case of the Securitization Notes under certain circumstances, (iii) certain indemnification payments relating to taxes, enforcement costs and other customary items and (iv) covenants relating to recordkeeping, access to information and similar matters. The Securitization Notes are also subject to rapid amortization events provided for in the indenture, including events tied to failure to maintain a stated debt service coverage ratio (as defined in the related indenture) of at least 1.1:1, gross domestic sales for branded restaurants being below certain levels on certain measurement dates, a manager termination event, an event of default and the failure to repay or refinance the Securitization Notes on the Anticipated Repayment Date (subject to limited cure rights). The Securitization Notes are also subject to certain customary events of default, including events relating to non-payment of required interest or principal due on the Securitization Notes, failure to comply with covenants within certain time frames, certain bankruptcy events, breaches of specified representations and warranties, failure of security interests to be effective, certain judgments and failure of the Securitization Entities to maintain a stated debt service coverage ratio. As of December 31, 2019, we were in compliance with all of our debt covenant requirements and were not subject to any rapid amortization events.
In accordance with the indenture, certain cash accounts have been established with the indenture trustee for the benefit of the note holders, and are restricted in their use. The indenture requires a certain amount of securitization cash flow collections to be allocated on a weekly basis and maintained in a cash reserve account. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had restricted cash of $81 million primarily related to required interest reserves included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Once the required obligations are satisfied, there are no further restrictions, including payment of dividends, on the cash flows of the Securitization Entities.
Additional cash reserves are required if any of the rapid amortization events occur, as noted above, or in the event that as of any quarterly measurement date the Securitization Entities fail to maintain a debt service coverage ratio (or the ratio of Net Cash Flow to all debt service payments for the preceding four fiscal quarters) of at least 1.75:1. The amount of weekly securitization cash flow collections that exceed the required weekly allocations is generally remitted to the Company. During the most recent quarter ended December 31, 2019, the Securitization Entities maintained a debt service coverage ratio significantly in excess of the 1.75:1 requirement.
Term Loan Facilities, Revolving Facility and Subsidiary Senior Unsecured Notes
KFC Holding Co., Pizza Hut Holdings, LLC, and TBA, each of which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, as co-borrowers (the "Borrowers") have entered into a credit agreement providing for senior secured credit facilities and a $1.0 billion revolving facility (the Revolving Facility"). The senior secured credit facilities, which include a Term Loan A Facility and a Term Loan B Facility, and the Revolving Facility are collectively referred to as the "Credit Agreement". Additionally, the Borrowers through a series of transactions have issued the Subsidiary Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024, 2026 and 2027 (collectively referred to as the “Subsidiary Senior Unsecured Notes”). The following table summarizes borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement as well as our Subsidiary Senior Unsecured Notes as of December 31, 2019. There are no outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Facility and $1.3 million of letters of credit outstanding as of December 31, 2019.
Interest Rate
Issuance Date
Maturity Date
Outstanding Principal
(in millions)
Stated
Effective(b)
Term Loan A Facility
June 2016
June 2022
$
(a)
3.46
%
Term Loan B Facility
June 2016
April 2025
$
1,935
(a)
3.65
%
Senior Note Due 2024
June 2016
June 2024
$
1,050
5.00
%
5.16
%
Senior Note Due 2026
June 2016
June 2026
$
1,050
5.25
%
5.39
%
Senior Note Due 2027
June 2017
June 2027
$
4.75
%
4.90
%
(a)
The interest rates applicable to the Term Loan A Facility as well as the Revolving Facility range from 1.25% to 1.75% plus LIBOR or from 0.25% to 0.75% plus the Base Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement), at the Borrowers’ election, based upon the total leverage ratio of the Borrowers and the Specified Guarantors (as defined in the Credit Agreement). As of December 31, 2019 the interest rate spreads on the LIBOR and Base Rate applicable to our Term Loan A Facility were 1.50% and 0.50%, respectively.
The interest rates applicable to the Term Loan B Facility are 1.75% plus LIBOR or 0.75% plus the Base Rate, at the Borrowers’ election.
(b)
Includes the effects of the amortization of any discount and debt issuance costs as well as the impact of the interest rate swaps on the Term Loan B Facility (See Note 12). The effective rates related to our Term Loan A and B Facilities are based on current LIBOR-based interest rates at December 31, 2019.
The Term Loan A Facility is subject to quarterly amortization payments currently in an amount equal to 1.25% of the initial principal amount of the facility. These amortization payments will increase to an amount equal to 1.875% of the initial principal amount of the facility on the fourth anniversary of the closing date and to an amount equal to 3.75% of the initial principal amount of the facility on the fifth anniversary of the closing date, with the balance payable at maturity on June 7, 2022.
The Term Loan B Facility is subject to quarterly amortization payments in an amount equal to 0.25% of the initial principal amount of the facility, with the balance payable at maturity on April 3, 2025.
The Credit Agreement is unconditionally guaranteed by the Company and certain of the Borrowers’ principal domestic subsidiaries and excludes Taco Bell Funding LLC and its special purpose, wholly-owned subsidiaries (see above). The Credit Agreement is also secured by first priority liens on substantially all assets of the Borrowers and each subsidiary guarantor, excluding the stock of certain subsidiaries and certain real property, and subject to other customary exceptions.
The Credit Agreement is subject to certain mandatory prepayments, including an amount equal to 50% of excess cash flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement) on an annual basis and the proceeds of certain asset sales, casualty events and issuances of indebtedness, subject to customary exceptions and reinvestment rights.
The Credit Agreement includes two financial maintenance covenants which require the Borrowers to maintain a total leverage ratio (defined as the ratio of Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated EBITDA (as these terms are defined in the Credit Agreement)) of 5.0:1 or less and a fixed charge coverage ratio (defined as the ratio of EBITDA minus capital expenditures to fixed charges (inclusive of rental expense and scheduled amortization)) of at least 1.5:1, each as of the last day of each fiscal quarter. The Credit Agreement includes other affirmative and negative covenants and events of default that are customary for facilities of this type. The Credit Agreement contains, among other things, limitations on certain additional indebtedness and liens, and certain other transactions specified in the agreement. We were in compliance with all debt covenants as of December 31, 2019.
The Subsidiary Senior Unsecured Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by (i) the Company, (ii) the Specified Guarantors and (iii) by each of the Borrower's and the Specified Guarantors’ domestic subsidiaries that guarantees the Borrower's obligations under the Credit Agreement, except for any of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries. The indenture governing the Subsidiary Senior Unsecured Notes contains covenants and events of default that are customary for debt securities of this type. We were in compliance with all debt covenants as of December 31, 2019.
YUM Senior Unsecured Notes
The majority of our remaining long-term debt primarily comprises YUM Senior Unsecured Notes. The following table summarizes all YUM Senior Unsecured Notes issued that remain outstanding at December 31, 2019:
Interest Rate
Issuance Date
Maturity Date
Principal Amount (in millions)
Stated
Effective(a)
October 2007
November 2037
$
6.88
%
7.45
%
August 2010
November 2020
$
3.88
%
4.01
%
August 2011
November 2021
$
3.75
%
3.88
%
October 2013
November 2023
$
3.88
%
4.01
%
October 2013
November 2043
$
5.35
%
5.42
%
September 2019
January 2030
$
4.75
%
4.90
%
(a)
Includes the effects of the amortization of any (1) premium or discount; (2) debt issuance costs; and (3) gain or loss upon settlement of related treasury locks and forward starting interest rate swaps utilized to hedge the interest rate risk prior to debt issuance.
As included in the table above, on September 11, 2019, Yum! Brands, Inc. issued $800 million aggregate principal amount of 4.75% YUM Senior Unsecured Notes due January 15, 2030 (the “2030 Notes”). The net proceeds from the issuance were used to repay in full $250 million aggregate principal amount of YUM Senior Unsecured Notes that matured in September 2019, to repay the then outstanding borrowings under our $1 billion revolving facility and for general corporate purposes. Interest on the 2030 Notes is payable semiannually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year. The Company incurred debt issuance costs of $10 million in connection with the issuance of the 2030 Notes. These issuance costs are recorded as a reduction in Long-term debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.
The YUM Senior Unsecured Notes represent senior, unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all of our existing and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness. Our YUM Senior Unsecured Notes contain cross-default provisions whereby the acceleration of the maturity of any of our indebtedness in a principal amount in excess of $50 million will constitute a default under the YUM Senior Unsecured Notes unless such indebtedness is discharged, or the acceleration of the maturity of that indebtedness is annulled, within 30 days after notice.
The annual maturities of all Short-term borrowings and Long-term debt as of December 31, 2019, excluding finance lease obligations of $77 million are as follows:
Year ended:
$
1,626
1,086
Thereafter
6,550
Total
$
10,575
Interest expense on Short-term borrowings and Long-term debt was $519 million, $496 million and $473 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Note 11 - Lease Accounting
Components of Lease Expense
Operating lease cost
$
Finance lease cost
Amortization of right-of-use assets
Interest on lease liabilities
Total finance lease cost
Sublease income
(69
)
Rental expense related to operating leases was $151 million and $214 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows from operating leases
$
Operating cash flows from finance leases
Financing cash flows from finance leases
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations
Operating leases
Finance leases
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Assets
Operating lease right-of-use assets
$
Other assets
Finance lease right-of-use assets
Property, plant and equipment, net
Total right-of-use assets(a)
$
Liabilities
Current
Operating
$
Accounts payable and other current liabilities
Finance
Short-term borrowings
Non-current
Operating
Other liabilities and deferred credits
Finance
Long-term debt
Total lease liabilities(a)
$
Weighted-average Remaining Lease Term (in years)
Operating leases
12.3
Finance leases
12.7
Weighted-average Discount Rate
Operating leases
5.6
%
Finance leases
6.6
%
(a)
U.S. operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities totaled $283 million and $337 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2019. These amounts primarily related to Taco Bell U.S. including leases related to Company-operated restaurants, leases related to franchise-operated restaurants we sublease and the Taco Bell restaurant support center.
Maturity of Lease Payments and Receivables
Future minimum lease payments, including rental payments for lease renewal options we are reasonably certain to exercise, and amounts to be received as lessor or sublessor as of December 31, 2019 were as follows:
Commitments
Lease Receivables
Finance
Operating
Direct Financing
Operating
$
$
$
$
Thereafter
Total lease payments/receipts
$
Less imputed interest/unearned income
(33
)
(280
)
(18
)
Total lease liabilities/receivables
$
$
$
As of December 31, 2019, we have executed real estate leases that have not yet commenced with estimated future lease payments of approximately $46 million, which are not included in the tables above. These leases are expected to commence in 2020 with lease terms of up to 20 years.
Future minimum lease payments and amounts to be received as lessor or sublessor under the non-cancellable term of leases as of December 31, 2018 as required to be disclosed under Legacy Lease GAAP were as follows:
Commitments
Lease Receivables
Capital
Operating
Direct Financing
Operating
$
$
$
$
Thereafter
$
$
$
$
1,016
At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the present value of minimum payments under capital leases was $71 million and $105 million, respectively. At December 31, 2018, unearned income associated with direct financing lease receivables was $19 million.
Note 12 - Derivative Instruments
We use derivative instruments to manage certain of our market risks related to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates.
Interest Rate Swaps
We have entered into interest rate swaps with the objective of reducing our exposure to interest rate risk for a portion of our variable-rate debt interest payments. On July 25, 2016, we agreed with multiple counterparties to swap the variable LIBOR-based component of the interest payments related to $1.55 billion of borrowings under our Term Loan B Facility. These interest rate swaps will expire in July 2021. Further, on May 14, 2018 we entered into forward-starting interest rate swaps to fix the interest rate on $1.5 billion of borrowings under our Term Loan B Facility from the date the July 2016 swaps expire through March 2025. The interest rate swaps executed in May 2018 will result in a fixed rate of 4.81% on the swapped portion of the Term Loan B Facility from July 2021 through March 2025. These interest rate swaps are designated cash flow hedges as the changes in the
future cash flows of the swaps are expected to offset changes in expected future interest payments on the related variable-rate debt. There were no other interest rate swaps outstanding as of December 31, 2019.
Gains or losses on the interest rate swaps are reported as a component of AOCI and reclassified into Interest expense, net in our Consolidated Statements of Income in the same period or periods during which the related hedged interest payments affect earnings. Through December 31, 2019, the swaps were highly effective cash flow hedges.
Foreign Currency Contracts
We have entered into foreign currency forward and swap contracts with the objective of reducing our exposure to earnings volatility arising from foreign currency fluctuations associated with certain foreign currency denominated intercompany receivables and payables. The notional amount, maturity date, and currency of these contracts match those of the underlying intercompany receivables or payables. Our foreign currency contracts are designated cash flow hedges as the future cash flows of the contracts are expected to offset changes in intercompany receivables and payables due to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
Gains or losses on the foreign currency contracts are reported as a component of AOCI. Amounts are reclassified from AOCI each quarter to offset foreign currency transaction gains or losses recorded within Other (income) expense when the related intercompany receivables and payables affect earnings due to their functional currency remeasurements. Through December 31, 2019, all foreign currency contracts related to intercompany receivables and payables were highly effective cash flow hedges.
As of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, foreign currency contracts outstanding related to intercompany receivables and payables had total notional amounts of $20 million and $459 million, respectively. During the third quarter of 2019 we terminated foreign currency contracts with notional amounts of $430 million and settled the related intercompany receivable and payable. As a result of this termination and settlement, we reclassified $4 million of unrealized loss from AOCI to Interest expense, net in our Consolidated Statements of Income. We received $3 million in cash from the counterparty upon termination, which represented the fair value of the contracts at the time of termination. Our remaining foreign currency forward contracts all have durations that expire in 2020.
As a result of the use of interest rate swaps and foreign currency contracts, the Company is exposed to risk that the counterparties will fail to meet their contractual obligations. To mitigate the counterparty credit risk, we only enter into contracts with major financial institutions carefully selected based upon their credit ratings and other factors, and continually assess the creditworthiness of counterparties. At December 31, 2019, all of the counterparties to our interest rate swaps and foreign currency contracts had investment grade ratings according to the three major ratings agencies. To date, all counterparties have performed in accordance with their contractual obligations.
Gains and losses on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges recognized in OCI and reclassifications from AOCI into Net Income:
Gains/(Losses) Recognized in OCI
(Gains)/Losses Reclassified from AOCI into Net Income
Interest rate swaps
$
(71
)
$
(3
)
$
$
(17
)
$
(19
)
$
Foreign currency contracts
(56
)
(8
)
(20
)
Income tax benefit/(expense)
(3
)
As of December 31, 2019, the estimated net gain included in AOCI related to our cash flow hedges that will be reclassified into earnings in the next 12 months is $6 million, based on current LIBOR interest rates.
See Note 13 for the fair value of our derivative assets and liabilities.
Note 13 - Fair Value Disclosures
As of December 31, 2019 the carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investments, accounts receivable, short-term borrowings and accounts payable approximated their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. The fair value of notes receivable net of allowances and lease guarantees less subsequent amortization approximates their carrying value. The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company’s debt obligations:
Carrying Value
Fair Value (Level 2)
Carrying Value
Fair Value (Level 2)
Securitization Notes(a)
$
2,898
$
3,040
$
2,928
$
2,967
Subsidiary Senior Unsecured Notes(b)
2,850
3,004
2,850
2,733
Term Loan A Facility(b)
Term Loan B Facility(b)
1,935
1,949
1,955
1,915
YUM Senior Unsecured Notes(b)
2,425
2,572
1,875
1,798
(a)
We estimated the fair value of the Securitization Notes by obtaining broker quotes from two separate brokerage firms that are knowledgeable about the Company’s Securitization Notes and, at times, trade these notes. The markets in which the Securitization Notes trade are not considered active markets.
(b)
We estimated the fair value of the YUM and Subsidiary Senior Unsecured Notes, Term Loan A Facility, and Term Loan B Facility using market quotes and calculations based on market rates.
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
The Company has interest rate swaps, foreign currency contracts, an investment in Grubhub common stock and other investments, all of which are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis (See Note 12 for discussion regarding derivative instruments and Note 4 for discussion regarding our investment in Grubhub common stock). The following table presents fair values for those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the measurements fall.
Fair Value
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Level
Assets
Interest Rate Swaps
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
$
$
Foreign Currency Contracts
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
-
Interest Rate Swaps
Other assets
Investment in Grubhub Common Stock
Other assets
Other Investments
Other assets
Liabilities
Interest Rate Swaps
Other liabilities and deferred credits
Foreign Currency Contracts
Other liabilities and deferred credits
-
The fair value of the Company’s foreign currency contracts and interest rate swaps were determined based on the present value of expected future cash flows considering the risks involved, including nonperformance risk, and using discount rates appropriate for the duration based on observable inputs. The fair value of the investment in Grubhub common stock was determined primarily based on closing market prices for the shares. The other investments primarily include investments in mutual funds, which are used to offset fluctuations for a portion of our deferred compensation liabilities and whose fair values were determined based on the closing market prices of the respective mutual funds as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements
During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized non-recurring fair value measurements of $7 million related to refranchising related impairment. Refranchising related impairment results from writing down the assets of restaurants or restaurant groups offered for refranchising, including certain instances where a decision has been made to refranchise restaurants that are deemed to be impaired. The fair value measurements used in our impairment evaluation were based on actual bids received from potential buyers (Level 2). The remaining net book value of these restaurants at December 31, 2019 is insignificant.
During the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we recognized non-recurring fair value measurements of $4 million and $1 million, respectively, related to restaurant-level impairment. Restaurant-level impairment charges are recorded in Other (income) expense and resulted primarily from our impairment evaluation of long-lived assets of individual restaurants that
were being operated at the time of impairment and had not been offered for refranchising. The fair value measurements used in these impairment evaluations were based on discounted cash flow estimates using unobservable inputs (Level 3). These amounts exclude fair value measurements made for assets that were subsequently disposed of prior to those respective year end dates. The remaining net book value of restaurant assets measured at fair value during the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 is insignificant.
Note 14 - Pension, Retiree Medical and Retiree Savings Plans
U.S. Pension Plans
We sponsor qualified and supplemental (non-qualified) noncontributory defined benefit plans covering certain full-time salaried and hourly U.S. employees. The qualified plan meets the requirements of certain sections of the Internal Revenue Code and provides benefits to a broad group of employees with restrictions on discriminating in favor of highly compensated employees with regard to coverage, benefits and contributions. The supplemental plans provide additional benefits to certain employees. We fund our supplemental plans as benefits are paid.
The most significant of our U.S. plans is the YUM Retirement Plan (the “Plan”), which is a qualified plan. Our funding policy with respect to the Plan is to contribute amounts necessary to satisfy minimum pension funding requirements, including requirements of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, plus additional amounts from time-to-time as are determined to be necessary to improve the Plan’s funded status. We do not expect to make any significant contributions to the Plan in 2020. Our two significant U.S. plans were previously amended such that any salaried employee hired or rehired by YUM after September 30, 2001 is not eligible to participate in those plans.
We do not anticipate any plan assets being returned to the Company during 2020 for any U.S. plans.
Obligation and Funded Status at Measurement Date:
The following chart summarizes the balance sheet impact, as well as benefit obligations, assets, and funded status associated with our two significant U.S. pension plans. The actuarial valuations for all plans reflect measurement dates coinciding with our fiscal year end.
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
$
$
1,007
Service cost
Interest cost
Plan amendments
Special termination benefits
-
Benefits paid
(57
)
(73
)
Settlement payments
(1
)
-
Actuarial (gain) loss
(109
)
Benefit obligation at end of year
$
1,015
$
A significant component of the overall increase in the Company's benefit obligation for the year ended December 31, 2019 was due to an actuarial loss, which was primarily due to a decrease in the discount rate used to measure our benefit obligation from 4.60% at December 31, 2018 to 3.50% at December 31, 2019. A significant component of the overall decrease in the Company's benefit obligation for the year ended December 31, 2018 was due to an actuarial gain, which was primarily due to an increase in the discount rate used to measure our benefit obligation from 3.90% at December 31, 2017 to 4.60% at December 31, 2018.
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
$
$
Actual return on plan assets
(49
)
Employer contributions
Benefits paid
(57
)
(73
)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
$
$
Funded status at end of year
$
(129
)
$
(118
)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Accrued benefit liability - current
$
(4
)
$
(5
)
Accrued benefit liability - non-current
(125
)
(113
)
$
(129
)
$
(118
)
The accumulated benefit obligation was $984 million and $849 million at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:
Projected benefit obligation
$
1,015
$
Accumulated benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets
Information for pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:
Projected benefit obligation
$
1,015
$
Accumulated benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost
$
$
$
Interest cost
Amortization of prior service cost(a)
Expected return on plan assets
(44
)
(44
)
(45
)
Amortization of net loss
Net periodic benefit cost
$
$
$
Additional (gain) loss recognized due to:
Settlement charges(b)
$
$
-
$
Special termination benefits
$
-
$
$
Pension data adjustment(c)
$
-
$
-
$
(a)
Prior service costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of employees expected to receive benefits.
(b)
Settlement losses result when benefit payments exceed the sum of the service cost and interest cost within a plan during the year. These losses were recorded in Other pension (income) expense.
(c)
Reflects a non-cash, out-of-year charge related to the adjustment of certain historical deferred vested liability balances in the Plan during the first quarter of 2017 recorded in Other pension (income) expense. See Note 4.
Pension gains (losses) in AOCI:
Beginning of year
$
(123
)
$
(160
)
Net actuarial gain (loss)
(22
)
Curtailments
-
-
Amortization of net loss
Amortization of prior service cost
Prior service cost
(2
)
(1
)
Settlement charges
-
End of year
$
(136
)
$
(123
)
Accumulated pre-tax losses recognized within AOCI:
Actuarial net loss
$
(118
)
$
(101
)
Prior service cost
(18
)
(22
)
$
(136
)
$
(123
)
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at the measurement dates:
Discount rate
3.50
%
4.60
%
Rate of compensation increase
3.00
%
3.00
%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit cost for fiscal years:
2017(a)
Discount rate
4.60
%
3.90
%
4.53
%
Long-term rate of return on plan assets
5.75
%
5.65
%
6.06
%
Rate of compensation increase
3.00
%
3.75
%
3.75
%
(a) Reflects a weighted average due to interim re-measurements in 2017.
Our estimated long-term rate of return on plan assets represents the weighted-average of expected future returns on the asset categories included in our target investment allocation based primarily on the historical returns for each asset category and future growth expectations.
Plan Assets
The fair values of our pension plan assets at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 by asset category and level within the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1:
Cash
$
$
Cash Equivalents(a)
Fixed Income Securities - U.S. Corporate(b)
Equity Securities - U.S. Large cap(b)
Equity Securities - U.S. Mid cap(b)
Equity Securities - U.S. Small cap(b)
Equity Securities - Non-U.S.(b)
Level 2:
Fixed Income Securities - U.S. Corporate(c)
Fixed Income Securities - U.S. Government and Government Agencies(d)
Fixed Income Securities - Other(d)
Total fair value of plan assets(e)
$
1,055
$
(a)
Short-term investments in money market funds.
(b)
Securities held in common trusts.
(c)
Investments held directly by the Plan.
(d)
Includes securities held in common trusts and investments held directly by the Plan.
(e)
2019 and 2018 exclude net unsettled trade payables of $169 million and $41 million, respectively.
Our primary objectives regarding the investment strategy for the Plan’s assets are to reduce interest rate and market risk and to provide adequate liquidity to meet immediate and future payment requirements. To achieve these objectives, we are using a combination of active and passive investment strategies. The Plan's equity securities, currently targeted to be 50% of our investment mix, consist primarily of low-cost index funds focused on achieving long-term capital appreciation. The Plan diversifies its equity risk by investing in several different U.S. and foreign market index funds. Investing in these index funds provides the Plan with the adequate liquidity required to fund benefit payments and plan expenses. The fixed income asset allocation, currently targeted to be 50% of our mix, is actively managed and consists of long-duration fixed income securities that help to reduce exposure to interest rate variation and to better correlate asset maturities with obligations. The fair values of all pension plan assets are determined based on closing market prices or net asset values.
A mutual fund held as an investment by the Plan includes shares of Common Stock valued at $0.3 million at both December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (less than 1% of total plan assets in each instance).
Benefit Payments
The benefits expected to be paid in each of the next five years and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter are set forth below:
Year ended:
$
2025 - 2029
Expected benefit payments are estimated based on the same assumptions used to measure our benefit obligation on the measurement date and include benefits attributable to estimated future employee service.
International Pension Plans
We also sponsor various defined benefit plans covering certain of our non-U.S. employees, the most significant of which are in the UK. Both of our UK plans have previously been frozen such that they are closed to new participants and existing participants can no longer earn future service credits.
At the end of 2019 and 2018, the projected benefit obligations of these UK plans totaled $290 million and $233 million, respectively and plan assets totaled $372 million and $319 million, respectively. These plans were both in a net overfunded position at the end of 2019 and 2018 and related expense amounts recorded in each of 2019, 2018 and 2017 were not significant.
The funding rules for our pension plans outside of the U.S. vary from country to country and depend on many factors including discount rates, performance of plan assets, local laws and regulations. We do not plan to make significant contributions to either of our UK plans in 2020.
Retiree Medical Benefits
Our post-retirement plan provides health care benefits, principally to U.S. salaried retirees and their dependents, and includes retiree cost-sharing provisions and a cap on our liability. This plan was previously amended such that any salaried employee hired or rehired by YUM after September 30, 2001 is not eligible to participate in this plan. Employees hired prior to September 30, 2001 are eligible for benefits if they meet age and service requirements and qualify for retirement benefits. We fund our post-retirement plan as benefits are paid.
At the end of 2019 and 2018, the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation was $44 million and $45 million, respectively. Actuarial pre-tax gains of $9 million and $13 million were recognized in AOCI at the end of 2019 and 2018, respectively. The net periodic benefit cost recorded was $1 million in 2019, $2 million in 2018 and $2 million in 2017, the majority of which is interest cost on the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation. The weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost for the post-retirement medical plan are identical to those as shown for the U.S. pension plans.
The benefits expected to be paid in each of the next five years are approximately $4 million and in aggregate for the five years thereafter are $14 million.
U.S. Retiree Savings Plan
We sponsor a contributory plan to provide retirement benefits under the provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “401(k) Plan”) for eligible U.S. salaried and hourly employees. Participants are able to elect to contribute up to 75% of eligible compensation on a pre-tax basis. Participants may allocate their contributions to one or any combination of multiple investment options or a self-managed account within the 401(k) Plan. We match 100% of the participant’s contribution to the 401(k) Plan up to 6% of eligible compensation. We recognized as compensation expense our total matching contribution of $11 million in 2019, $12 million in 2018 and $13 million in 2017.
Note 15 - Share-based and Deferred Compensation Plans
Overview
At year end 2019, we had one stock award plan in effect: the Yum! Brands, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”). Under the LTIP, the exercise price of stock options and SARs granted must be equal to or greater than the average market price or the ending market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant.
Potential awards to employees and non-employee directors under the LTIP include stock options, incentive stock options, SARs, restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance restricted stock units, performance share units (“PSUs”) and performance units. We have issued only stock options, SARs, RSUs and PSUs under the LTIP. While awards under the LTIP can have varying vesting provisions and exercise periods, outstanding awards under the LTIP vest in periods ranging from immediate to five years. Stock options and SARs generally expire ten years after grant.
At year end 2019, approximately 26 million shares were available for future share-based compensation grants under the LTIP.
Our EID Plan allows participants to defer receipt of a portion of their annual salary and all or a portion of their incentive compensation. As defined by the EID Plan, we credit the amounts deferred with earnings based on the investment options selected
by the participants. These investment options are limited to cash, phantom shares of our Common Stock, phantom shares of a Stock Index Fund and phantom shares of a Bond Index Fund. Investments in cash and phantom shares of both index funds will be distributed in cash at a date as elected by the employee and therefore are classified as a liability on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We recognize compensation expense for the appreciation or the depreciation, if any, of investments in cash and both of the index funds. Deferrals into the phantom shares of our Common Stock will be distributed in shares of our Common Stock, under the LTIP, at a date as elected by the employee and therefore are classified in Common Stock on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We do not recognize compensation expense for the appreciation or the depreciation, if any, of investments in phantom shares of our Common Stock. Our EID plan also allows certain participants to defer incentive compensation to purchase phantom shares of our Common Stock and receive a 33% Company match on the amount deferred. Deferrals receiving a match are similar to an RSU award in that participants will generally forfeit both the match and incentive compensation amounts deferred if they voluntarily separate from employment during a vesting period that is two years from the date of deferral. We expense the intrinsic value of the match and the incentive compensation amount over the requisite service period which includes the vesting period.
Historically, the Company has repurchased shares on the open market in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy award exercises and expects to continue to do so in 2020.
In connection with the Separation of our China business, under the provisions of our LTIP, employee stock options, SARs, RSUs and PSUs were adjusted to maintain the pre-spin intrinsic value of the awards. Depending on the tax laws of the country of employment, awards were modified using either the shareholder method or the employer method. Share-based compensation as recorded in Net Income is based on the amortization of the fair value for both YUM and Yum China awards held by YUM employees. Share issuances for Yum China awards held by YUM employees will be satisfied by Yum China. Share issuances for YUM awards held by Yum China employees are being satisfied by YUM.
Under the shareholder method, investments in phantom shares of our Common Stock held within our EID Plan were partially converted into phantom investments in Yum China. Through October 31, 2018, distributions of investments in phantom shares of Yum China could be settled in cash, as opposed to stock, at a date as elected by the employee and, therefore, were classified as a liability and remeasured to fair value at each reporting period in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. During 2018 and 2017, we recorded a $3 million credit and a $18 million charge, respectively, within G&A related to these awards (See Note 4).
As of October 31, 2018, deferrals in phantom shares of Yum China common stock were no longer an investment option within our EID Plan and any balances relating to these shares were moved to another available EID Plan investment option as selected by the participants. Amounts directed into cash or phantom shares of a Stock Index Fund or a Bond Index Fund remained classified as a liability and appreciation or depreciation in these investments from the transfer date forward are recognized as compensation expense. Any amounts directed into phantom shares of YUM Common Stock were reclassified to Common Stock on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. We do not recognize compensation expense for the appreciation or depreciation, if any, of investments in phantom shares of our Common Stock.
Award Valuation
We estimated the fair value of each stock option and SAR award as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
Risk-free interest rate
2.5
%
2.5
%
1.9
%
Expected term
6.5 years
6.5 years
6.4 years
Expected volatility
22.0
%
22.0
%
22.9
%
Expected dividend yield
1.8
%
1.8
%
1.8
%
We believe it is appropriate to group our stock option and SAR awards into two homogeneous groups when estimating expected term. These groups consist of grants made primarily to restaurant-level employees, which cliff-vest after 4 years and expire 10 years after grant, and grants made to executives, which typically have a graded vesting schedule of 25% per year over 4 years and expire 10 years after grant. We use a single weighted-average term for our awards that have a graded vesting schedule. Based on analysis of our historical exercise and post-vesting termination behavior, we have determined that our restaurant-level employees and our executives exercised the awards on average after 5 years and 6.5 years, respectively.
When determining expected volatility, we consider both historical volatility of our stock as well as implied volatility associated with our publicly-traded options. The expected dividend yield is based on the annual dividend yield at the time of grant.
The fair values of PSU awards without market-based conditions and RSU awards are based on the closing price of our Common Stock on the date of grant. The fair values of PSU awards with market-based conditions have been valued based on the outcome of a Monte Carlo simulation.
Award Activity
Stock Options and SARs
Shares
(in thousands)
Weighted-Average Exercise
Price
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions)
Outstanding at the beginning of the year
16,191
$
51.84
Granted
2,332
93.52
Exercised
(3,210
)
38.16
Forfeited or expired
(449
)
75.29
Outstanding at the end of the year
14,864
(a)
60.76
5.62
$
Exercisable at the end of the year
9,283
$
49.38
4.10
$
(a)
Outstanding awards include 782 options and 14,082 SARs with weighted average exercise prices of $45.03 and $61.64, respectively. Outstanding awards represent YUM awards held by employees of both YUM and Yum China.
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of stock options and SARs granted during 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $19.82, $16.45 and $14.08, respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock options and SARs exercised during the years ended December 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, was $204 million, $195 million and $154 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2019, $49 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options and SARs, which will be reduced by any forfeitures that occur, is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of approximately 1.7 years. This reflects unrecognized cost for both YUM and Yum China awards held by YUM employees. The total fair value at grant date of awards for both YUM and Yum China awards held by YUM employees that vested during 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $31 million, $28 million and $33 million, respectively.
RSUs and PSUs
As of December 31, 2019, there was $30 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to 1.1 million unvested RSUs and PSUs, none of which related to Yum China common stock. The total fair value at grant date of awards that vested during 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $14 million, $16 million and $10 million, respectively.
Impact on Net Income
The components of share-based compensation expense and the related income tax benefits are shown in the following table:
Options and SARs
$
$
$
Restricted Stock Units
Performance Share Units
Total Share-based Compensation Expense
$
$
(a)
$
(a)
Deferred Tax Benefit recognized
$
$
$
(b)
EID compensation expense not share-based
$
$
(2
)
$
(a)
Includes $3 million of appreciation and $18 million of depreciation in the market price of Yum China's stock in 2018 and 2017, respectively. See Note 4.
(b) Deferred tax benefit recognized does not reflect the impact of the Tax Act. See Note 17.
Cash received from stock option exercises for 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $1 million, $5.5 million and $12 million, respectively. Tax benefits realized on our tax returns from tax deductions associated with share-based compensation for 2019, 2018 and 2017 totaled $66 million, $60 million and $153 million, respectively.
Note 16 - Shareholders’ Deficit
Under the authority of our Board of Directors, we repurchased shares of our Common Stock during 2019, 2018 and 2017. All amounts exclude applicable transaction fees.
Shares Repurchased
(thousands)
Dollar Value of Shares
Repurchased
Authorization Date
August 2018
7,788
10,003
-
-
November 2017
-
18,240
-
-
1,500
-
November 2016
-
-
26,561
-
-
1,915
Total
7,788
(a)
28,243
(a)
26,561
(b)
$
(a)
$
2,394
(a)
$
1,915
(b)
(a)
2019 amount excludes and 2018 amount includes the effect of $5 million in share repurchases (0.1 million shares) with trade dates on, or prior to, December 31, 2018 but settlement dates subsequent to December 31, 2018.
(b)
2017 amount excludes the effect of $45 million in share repurchases (0.7 million shares) with trade dates prior to December 31, 2016 but settlement dates subsequent to December 31, 2016.
On November 21, 2019, our Board of Directors authorized share repurchases through June 2021 of up to $2 billion (excluding applicable transaction fees) of our outstanding Common Stock. As of December 31, 2019, we have remaining capacity to repurchase up to $2 billion of Common Stock under this authorization. Unutilized share repurchase capacity of $296 million under the August 2018 authorization expired on December 31, 2019.
Changes in AOCI are presented below.
Translation Adjustments and Gains (Losses) From Intra-Entity Transactions of a Long-Term Nature(a)
Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits(b)
Derivative Instruments(c)
Total
Balance at December 31, 2017, net of tax
$
(174
)
$
(106
)
$
$
(271
)
Adoption of accounting standards
(d)
(17
)
(e)
(2
)
(e)
OCI, net of tax
Gains (losses) arising during the year classified into AOCI, net of tax
(88
)
(44
)
(Gains) losses reclassified from AOCI, net of tax
(4
)
(34
)
(21
)
(92
)
(14
)
(65
)
Balance at December 31, 2018, net of tax
$
(245
)
$
(82
)
$
(7
)
$
(334
)
OCI, net of tax
Gains (losses) arising during the year classified into AOCI, net of tax
(30
)
(35
)
(41
)
(Gains) losses reclassified from AOCI, net of tax
-
(21
)
(13
)
(22
)
(56
)
(54
)
Balance at December 31, 2019, net of tax
$
(221
)
$
(104
)
$
(63
)
$
(388
)
(a)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI are due to substantially complete liquidations of foreign entities related to the KFC and Pizza Hut Brazil refranchising transactions during 2018.
(b)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI for pension and post-retirement benefit plans losses during 2019 include amortization of net losses of $2 million, amortization of prior service cost of $5 million, settlement charges of $3 million and related income tax benefit of $2 million. Amounts reclassified from AOCI for pension and post-retirement benefit plan losses during 2018 include amortization of net losses of $17 million, amortization of prior service cost of $5 million and related income tax benefit of $5 million. See Note 14.
(c)
See Note 12 for details on amounts reclassified from AOCI.
(d)
Represents the impact of foreign currency translation from the adoption of Topic 606. See Notes 2 and 4.
(e)
During the quarter ended March 31, 2018, we adopted a standard that allowed for the reclassification from AOCI to Accumulated deficit for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act.
Note 17 - Income Taxes
U.S. and foreign income before taxes are set forth below:
U.S.
$
$
$
Foreign
1,113
1,612
$
1,373
$
1,839
$
2,274
The details of our income tax provision (benefit) are set forth below:
Current:
Federal
$
$
$
(2
)
Foreign
State
$
$
$
Deferred:
Federal
$
(16
)
$
(24
)
$
Foreign
(213
)
State
(3
)
$
(232
)
$
(11
)
$
$
$
$
The reconciliation of income taxes calculated at the U.S. federal statutory rate to our effective tax rate is set forth below:
U.S. federal statutory rate
21.0
%
21.0
%
35.0
%
State income tax, net of federal tax
0.8
1.0
0.5
Statutory rate differential attributable to foreign operations
1.6
(12.3
)
(9.3
)
Adjustments to reserves and prior years
4.2
2.8
0.5
Share-based compensation
(4.0
)
(2.5
)
(5.1
)
Change in valuation allowances
(2.6
)
8.5
1.5
Intercompany restructuring
(16.1
)
-
-
Tax Act Enactment
-
(1.9
)
19.1
Other, net
0.8
(0.4
)
(1.1
)
Effective income tax rate
5.7
%
16.2
%
41.1
%
Statutory rate differential attributable to foreign operations. This item includes local country taxes, withholding taxes, and shareholder-level taxes, net of foreign tax credits. In 2019, this expense included the full year impact of the global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI) provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. In 2018, this benefit was positively impacted by approximately 8 percentage points due to a transaction resulting in the recognition of excess foreign tax credits that were fully offset by expense included in 'Change in valuation allowances'. 2017 is favorably impacted by a majority of our income being earned outside of the U.S. where tax rates were generally lower than the U.S. rate.
Adjustments to reserves and prior years. This item includes: (1) changes in tax reserves, including interest thereon, established for potential exposure we may incur if a taxing authority takes a position on a matter contrary to our position; and (2) the effects of reconciling income tax amounts recorded in our Consolidated Statements of Income to amounts reflected on our tax returns, including any adjustments to the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In 2019, this item was unfavorably impacted by $31 million in reserves related to the inclusion of stock based compensation in cost sharing arrangements that was largely offset by the benefit from the utilization of foreign tax credits included in 'Change in valuation allowances' as well as $34 million in reserves related
to taxes recorded associated with a prior year divestiture. This unfavorable impact was partially offset by the reversal of a $20 million reserve established in 2018 due to the favorable resolution of an income tax rate dispute in a foreign market. In 2018, this item was unfavorably impacted by the aforementioned $20 million reserve and a $19 million charge for the correction of an error associated with the tax recorded on a prior year divestiture.
Share-based compensation. 2019, 2018 and 2017 includes $55 million, $47 million and $117 million, respectively, of excess tax benefit related to share-based compensation. The 2017 excess tax benefits were largely associated with deferred compensation payouts to recently retired employees.
Change in valuation allowances. This item relates to changes for deferred tax assets generated or utilized during the current year and changes in our judgment regarding the likelihood of using deferred tax assets that existed at the beginning of the year. The impact of certain changes may offset items reflected in the 'Statutory rate differential attributable to foreign operations' line and the 'Adjustments to reserves and prior years' line. In 2019, $35 million of net tax benefit was driven by a $45 million tax benefit attributable to changes in judgment regarding deferred tax assets that existed at the beginning of the year largely resulting from the utilization of foreign tax credits as discussed in 'Adjustments to reserves and prior years' sections above. This benefit was partially offset by $9 million of expense for valuation allowances recorded against deferred tax assets generated in the current year. This amount excludes a valuation allowance of $373 million which is included in the 'Intercompany Restructuring' line. In 2018, $156 million of net tax expense was driven by valuation allowances recorded against deferred tax assets generated in the current year. This expense was largely offset by a benefit related to a transaction resulting in the recognition of excess foreign tax credits in 'Statutory rate differential attributable to foreign operations'. This amount also excludes a valuation allowance release of $78 million, which is included in the 'Tax Act Enactment' line. In 2017, $34 million of net tax expense was driven by valuation allowances recorded against deferred tax assets generated in the current year. This amount excludes a valuation allowance of $189 million, which is included in the 'Tax Act Enactment' line.
Intercompany Restructuring. In December 2019, we completed an intercompany restructuring that resulted in the transfer of certain intellectual property rights held by wholly owned foreign subsidiaries primarily to the U.S. and the United Kingdom (UK). The intellectual property rights transferred to the UK resulted in a step up in the tax basis for UK tax purposes resulting in a deferred tax asset of $586 million. The deferred tax asset was analyzed for realizability and a valuation allowance of $366 million was established representing the portion of the deferred tax asset not likely to be realized. The recognized tax benefit of $220 million is amortizable for UK tax purposes over a twenty year period. The transfer of certain intellectual property rights to other non-UK jurisdictions resulted in the recording of deferred tax assets of $13 million and related valuation allowances of $7 million for deferred tax assets that are not likely to be realized, for a net tax benefit of $6 million.
Tax Act Enactment. On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive Federal tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "Tax Act"). The Tax Act significantly modifies the U.S. corporate income tax system by, among other things, reducing the federal income tax rate from 35% to 21%, limiting certain deductions, including limiting the deductibility of interest expense to 30% of U.S. Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization, imposing a mandatory one-time deemed repatriation tax on accumulated foreign earnings and creating a territorial tax system that changes the manner in which foreign earnings are subject to U.S. tax.
On December 22, 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 which allowed us to record provisional amounts related to the impacts of the Tax Act during a measurement period not to extend beyond one year of the enactment date. As a result, we recorded a $434 million provisional estimate of the effect of the Tax Act in 2017. This expense was comprised of an estimate of our deemed repatriation tax, the remeasurement of net deferred tax assets resulting from the permanent reduction in the U.S. tax rate to 21%, and establishment of a valuation allowance on foreign tax credit carryforwards which are unlikely to be realized under the U.S. territorial tax system.
In 2018, we completed the accounting for the tax effects of the enactment of the Tax Act. As a result of the Tax Act, we recorded cumulative net tax expense of $399 million ($35 million benefit in 2018 and $434 million expense in 2017). This net expense was comprised of $241 million for our deemed repatriation tax liability, $47 million related to the remeasurement of our net deferred tax assets to the 21% U.S. tax rate and $111 million to establish a valuation allowance on foreign tax credits that are unlikely to be realized under the U.S. territorial tax system.
Other. This item primarily includes the net impact of permanent differences related to current year earnings as well as U.S. tax credits. In 2018 and 2017, this item was primarily driven by the favorable impact of certain international refranchising gains.
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. The Company has elected to account for GILTI as a period cost.
The details of 2019 and 2018 deferred tax assets (liabilities) are set forth below:
Operating losses
$
$
Capital losses
Tax credit carryforwards
Employee benefits
Share-based compensation
Self-insured casualty claims
Lease-related liabilities
Various liabilities
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Deferred income and other
Gross deferred tax assets
1,505
Deferred tax asset valuation allowances
(787
)
(454
)
Net deferred tax assets
$
$
Intangible assets, including goodwill
$
(40
)
$
(42
)
Property, plant and equipment
(44
)
(33
)
Operating lease right-of-use assets
(156
)
-
Other
(31
)
(31
)
Gross deferred tax liabilities
$
(271
)
$
(106
)
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)
$
$
Reported in Consolidated Balance Sheets as:
Deferred income taxes
$
$
Other liabilities and deferred credits
-
(7
)
$
$
As of December 31, 2019, we had approximately $2.9 billion of unremitted foreign retained earnings. The Tax Act imposed U.S. federal tax on all post-1986 foreign Earnings and Profits accumulated through December 31, 2017. Repatriation of earnings generated after December 31, 2017, will generally be eligible for the 100% dividends received deduction or considered a distribution of previously taxed income and, therefore, exempt from U.S. tax. Undistributed foreign earnings may still be subject to certain foreign income and withholding taxes upon repatriation. Subject to limited exceptions, our intent is to indefinitely reinvest our unremitted earnings outside the U.S., and our current plans do not demonstrate a need to repatriate these amounts to fund our U.S. operations. Thus, we have not provided taxes, including U.S. federal and state income, foreign income, or foreign withholding taxes, for the unremitted earnings that we believe are permanently invested. However, if these funds were repatriated in taxable transactions, we would be required to accrue and pay applicable income taxes (if any) and foreign withholding taxes. A determination of the deferred tax liability on this amount is not practicable due to the complexities, variables and assumptions inherent in the hypothetical calculations.
At December 31, 2019, the Company has foreign operating and capital loss carryforwards of $0.4 billion, U.S. state operating loss and tax credit carryforwards of $1.1 billion, and U.S. federal tax credit carryforwards of $0.2 billion. The tax losses are being carried forward in jurisdictions where we are permitted to use losses from prior periods to reduce future taxable income. The losses and tax credits will expire as follows:
Year of Expiration
2021-2024
2025-2038
Indefinitely
Total
Foreign
$
$
$
$
$
U.S. state
1,021
-
1,134
U.S. federal
-
-
$
$
$
1,235
$
$
1,756
Valuation allowances of $0.1 billion, $0.1 billion and $0.2 billion have been recorded against the deferred tax assets established for foreign operating loss and capital loss carryforwards, the U.S. state operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, and the U.S. federal tax credit carryforwards, respectively, that are not likely to be realized.
We recognize the benefit of positions taken or expected to be taken in tax returns in the Consolidated Financial Statements when it is more likely than not that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. A recognized tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon settlement.
The Company had $188 million and $113 million of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, $8 million and $10 million of which are temporary in nature and if recognized, would not impact the effective income tax rate. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits follows:
Beginning of Year
$
$
Additions on tax positions - current year
Additions for tax positions - prior years
-
Reductions for tax positions - prior years
(30
)
(5
)
Reductions for settlements
(31
)
-
Reductions due to statute expiration
(2
)
(1
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
-
-
End of Year
$
$
The Company believes it is reasonably possible that its unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2019 may decrease by approximately $26 million in the next 12 months due to settlements or statute of limitations expirations.
The Company’s income tax returns are subject to examination in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and numerous U.S. state and foreign jurisdictions.
The Company has settled audits with the IRS through fiscal year 2010 and is currently under IRS examination for 2011-2015. Our operations in certain foreign jurisdictions remain subject to examination for tax years as far back as 2006, some of which years are currently under audit by local tax authorities.
The accrued interest and penalties related to income taxes at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were $26 million and $12 million, respectively.
During 2019, 2018 and 2017, the company recognized a net expense of $13 million, a net benefit of $2 million and a net expense of $5 million, respectively, for interest and penalties in our Consolidated Statements of Income as components of its Income tax provision.
Note 18 - Reportable Operating Segments
See Note 1 for a description of our operating segments.
Revenues
KFC Division(a)
$
2,491
$
2,644
$
3,110
Pizza Hut Division(a)
1,027
Taco Bell Division(a)
2,079
2,056
1,880
Unallocated(b)(f)
-
-
(5
)
$
5,597
$
5,688
$
5,878
Operating Profit
KFC Division
$
1,052
$
$
Pizza Hut Division
Taco Bell Division
Corporate and unallocated G&A expenses(b)(g)
(188
)
(171
)
(230
)
Unallocated Company restaurant expenses(b)(h)
-
Unallocated Franchise and property revenues(b)(f)
-
-
(5
)
Unallocated Franchise and property expenses(b)(f)
(14
)
(8
)
(30
)
Unallocated Refranchising gain (loss)(b)
1,083
Unallocated Other income (expense)(b)
(9
)
(8
)
(8
)
Operating Profit
1,930
2,296
2,761
Investment income (expense), net(b)
(67
)
Other pension income (expense)(b)(i)
(4
)
(14
)
(47
)
Interest expense, net(b)
(486
)
(452
)
(445
)
Income before income taxes
$
1,373
$
1,839
$
2,274
Depreciation and Amortization
KFC Division
$
$
$
Pizza Hut Division
Taco Bell Division
Corporate
$
$
$
Capital Spending
KFC Division
$
$
$
Pizza Hut Division
Taco Bell Division
Corporate
$
$
$
Identifiable Assets(d)
KFC Division
$
2,042
$
1,481
Pizza Hut Division
Taco Bell Division
1,330
1,074
Corporate(c)
1,058
$
5,231
$
4,130
Long-Lived Assets(e)
KFC Division
$
1,179
$
Pizza Hut Division
Taco Bell Division
Corporate
$
2,586
$
2,004
(a)
U.S. revenues included in the combined KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell Divisions totaled $3.0 billion in 2019, $2.9 billion in 2018 and $2.8 billion in 2017.
(b) Amounts have not been allocated to any segment for performance reporting purposes.
(c) Primarily includes cash, our Grubhub investment and deferred tax assets.
(d)
U.S. identifiable assets included in the combined Corporate and KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell Divisions totaled $2.7 billion and $2.0 billion in 2019 and 2018, respectively.
(e)
Includes PP&E, goodwill, intangible assets, net and in 2019, Operating lease right-of-use assets.
(f)
Represents costs associated with the KFC U.S. Acceleration Agreement and Pizza Hut U.S. Transformation Agreement. See Note 4.
(g)
Amounts in 2018 include costs related to YUM's Strategic Transformation Initiatives of $8 million, partially offset by non-cash credits associated with modifications of share-based compensation awards of $3 million. Amounts in 2017 include costs related to YUM’s Strategic Transformation Initiatives of $21 million, non-cash charges associated with modifications of share-based compensation awards of $18 million and costs associated with the Pizza Hut U.S. Transformation Agreement of $13 million. See Note 4.
(h)
Represents depreciation reductions arising primarily from KFC restaurants that were held for sale. See Note 4.
(i)
Amounts in 2017 include a non-cash charge of $22 million related to the adjustment of certain historical deferred vested liability balances in our qualified U.S. plan. See Note 4.
Note 19 - Contingencies
Lease Guarantees
As a result of having assigned our interest in obligations under real estate leases as a condition to the refranchising of certain Company-owned restaurants, and guaranteeing certain other leases, we are frequently secondarily liable on lease agreements. These leases have varying terms, the latest of which expires in 2065. As of December 31, 2019, the potential amount of undiscounted payments we could be required to make in the event of non-payment by the primary lessee was approximately $475 million. The present value of these potential payments discounted at our pre-tax cost of debt at December 31, 2019 was approximately $400 million. Our franchisees are the primary lessees under the vast majority of these leases. We generally have cross-default provisions with these franchisees that would put them in default of their franchise agreement in the event of non-payment under the lease. We believe these cross-default provisions significantly reduce the risk that we will be required to make payments under these leases. Accordingly, the liability recorded for our probable exposure under such leases at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was not material.
Insurance Programs
We are self-insured for a substantial portion of our current and prior years’ coverage including property and casualty losses. To mitigate the cost of our exposures for certain property and casualty losses, we self-insure the risks of loss up to defined maximum per occurrence retentions on a line-by-line basis. The Company then purchases insurance coverage, up to a certain limit, for losses that exceed the self-insurance per occurrence retention. The insurers’ maximum aggregate loss limits are significantly above our actuarially determined probable losses; therefore, we believe the likelihood of losses exceeding the insurers’ maximum aggregate loss limits is remote.
The following table summarizes the 2019 and 2018 activity related to our net self-insured property and casualty reserves as of December 31, 2019.
Beginning Balance
Expense
Payments
Ending Balance
2019 Activity
$
(21
)
$
2018 Activity
$
(29
)
$
Due to the inherent volatility of actuarially determined property and casualty loss estimates, it is reasonably possible that we could experience changes in estimated losses which could be material to our growth in quarterly and annual Net Income. We believe that we have recorded reserves for property and casualty losses at a level which has substantially mitigated the potential negative impact of adverse developments and/or volatility.
In the U.S. and in certain other countries, we are also self-insured for healthcare claims and long-term disability for eligible participating employees subject to certain deductibles and limitations. We have accounted for our retained liabilities for property and casualty losses, healthcare and long-term disability claims, including reported and incurred but not reported claims, based on information provided by independent actuaries.
Legal Proceedings
We are subject to various claims and contingencies related to lawsuits, real estate, environmental and other matters arising in the normal course of business. An accrual is recorded with respect to claims or contingencies for which a loss is determined to be probable and reasonably estimable.
Yum! Restaurants India Private Limited (“YRIPL”), a Yum subsidiary in India, is the subject of a regulatory enforcement action in India (the “Action”). The Action alleges, among other things, that KFC International Holdings, Inc. and Pizza Hut International failed to satisfy certain conditions imposed by the Secretariat for Industrial Approval in 1993 and 1994 when those companies were granted permission for foreign investment and operation in India. The conditions at issue include an alleged minimum investment commitment and store build requirements as well as limitations on the remittance of fees outside of India.
The Action originated with a complaint and show cause notice filed in 2009 against YRIPL by the Deputy Director of the Directorate of Enforcement (“DOE”) of the Indian Ministry of Finance following an income tax audit for the years 2002 and 2003. The matter was argued at hearing in 2015, but no order was issued. Following a change in the incumbent official holding the position of Special Director of DOE (the “Special Director”), the matter resumed in 2018 and several additional hearings were conducted.
On January 29, 2020, the Special Director issued an order imposing a penalty on YRIPL and certain former directors of approximately Indian Rupee 11 billion, or approximately $156 million. Of this amount, approximately $150 million relates to the alleged failure to invest a total of $80 million in India within an initial seven year period. We have been advised by external counsel that the order is flawed and that several options for appeal exist. We deny liability and intend to continue vigorously defending this matter. We do not consider the risk of any significant loss arising from this order to be probable.
We are currently engaged in various other legal proceedings and have certain unresolved claims pending, the ultimate liability for which, if any, cannot be determined at this time. However, based upon consultation with legal counsel, we are of the opinion that such proceedings and claims are not expected to have a material adverse effect, individually or in the aggregate, on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Note 20 - Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Fourth
Quarter
Total
Revenues:
Company sales
$
$
$
$
$
1,546
Franchise and property revenues
2,660
Franchise contributions for advertising and other services
1,391
Total revenues
1,254
1,310
1,339
1,694
5,597
Restaurant profit
Operating Profit(a)
1,930
Net Income
1,294
Basic earnings per common share
0.85
0.94
0.83
1.61
4.23
Diluted earnings per common share
0.83
0.92
0.81
1.58
4.14
Dividends declared per common share
0.42
0.42
0.42
0.42
1.68
First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Fourth
Quarter
Total
Revenues:
Company sales
$
$
$
$
$
2,000
Franchise and property revenues
2,482
Franchise contributions for advertising and other services
1,206
Total revenues
1,371
1,368
1,391
1,558
5,688
Restaurant profit
Operating Profit(b)
2,296
Net Income
1,542
Basic earnings per common share
1.30
0.99
1.43
1.07
4.80
Diluted earnings per common share
1.27
0.97
1.40
1.04
4.69
Dividends declared per common share
0.36
0.36
0.36
0.36
1.44
(a)
Includes net gains from refranchising initiatives of $6 million, $4 million, $8 million and $19 million in the first, second, third and fourth quarters, respectively.
(b)
Includes net gains from refranchising initiatives of $156 million, $29 million, $100 million and $255 million in the first, second, third and fourth quarters, respectively.
Note 21 - Subsequent Event
On January 6, 2020, we announced our definitive agreement pursuant to which the Company will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of The Habit Restaurants, Inc. (“Habit”) for $14 per share in cash or a total of approximately $375 million. The transaction is subject to approval by Habit’s stockholders and other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of the first-quarter of 2020.
Additionally, if the transaction is consummated, Habit will make payment to certain of its former shareholders pursuant to an existing Tax Receivable Agreement in the aggregate amount of approximately $53 million. The amount of this payment in excess of Habit’s cash necessary at closing for normal working capital purposes, in addition to customary transaction fees and expenses, will be liabilities funded by the Company.
We intend to fund all amounts for the acquisition of Habit using cash on hand and available borrowing capacity under our Revolving Facility.

---

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9.
Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.

---

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on the evaluation, performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”), the Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013), our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2019.
KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and has issued their report, included herein.
Changes in Internal Control
There were no changes with respect to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2019.

---

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B.
Other Information.
None.
PART III

---

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
Information regarding Section 16(a) compliance, the Audit Committee and the Audit Committee financial expert, the Company’s code of ethics and background of the directors appearing under the captions “Stock Ownership Information,” “Governance of the Company,” “Executive Compensation” and “Item 1: Election of Directors and Director biographies” is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2019.
Information regarding executive officers of the Company is included in Part I.

---

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11.
Executive Compensation.
Information regarding executive and director compensation and the Management Planning and Development Committee appearing under the captions “Governance of the Company” and “Executive Compensation” is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2019.

---

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
Information regarding equity compensation plans and security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management appearing under the captions “Executive Compensation” and “Stock Ownership Information” is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2019.

---

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions and information regarding director independence appearing under the caption “Governance of the Company” is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2019.

---

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Information regarding principal accountant fees and services and audit committee pre-approval policies and procedures appearing under the caption “Item 2: Ratification of Independent Auditors” is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2019.
PART IV

---

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a)
(1
)
Financial Statements: Consolidated Financial Statements filed as part of this report are listed under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
(2
)
Financial Statement Schedules: No schedules are required because either the required information is not present or not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements thereto filed as a part of this Form 10-K.
(3
)
Exhibits: The exhibits listed in the accompanying Exhibit Index are filed as part of this Form 10-K. The Index to Exhibits specifically identifies each management contract or compensatory plan required to be filed as an exhibit to this Form 10-K.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Form 10-K annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date:
February 19, 2020
YUM! BRANDS, INC.
By:
/s/ David W. Gibbs
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this annual report has been signed on February 19, 2020 by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated.
Signature
Title
/s/ David W. Gibbs
Chief Executive Officer
David W. Gibbs
(principal executive officer)
/s/ Chris Turner
Chief Financial Officer
Chris Turner
(principal financial officer)
/s/ David E. Russell
Senior Vice President, Finance and Corporate Controller
David E. Russell
(principal accounting officer)
/s/ Paget L. Alves
Director
Paget L. Alves
/s/ Keith Barr
Director
Keith Barr
/s/ Michael J. Cavanagh
Director
Michael J. Cavanagh
/s/ Christopher M. Connor
Director
Christopher M. Connor
/s/ Brian C. Cornell
Director
Brian C. Cornell
/s/ Greg Creed
Director
Greg Creed
/s/ Tanya L. Domier
Director
Tanya L. Domier
/s/ Mirian M. Graddick-Weir
Director
Mirian M. Graddick-Weir
/s/ Thomas C. Nelson
Director
Thomas C. Nelson
/s/ P. Justin Skala
Director
P. Justin Skala
/s/ Elane B. Stock
Director
Elane B. Stock
/s/ Robert D. Walter
Director
Robert D. Walter
/s/ Annie Young-Scrivner
Director
Annie Young-Scrivner
Yum! Brands, Inc.
Exhibit Index
(Item 15)
Exhibit
Number
Description of Exhibits
2.1
Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2016, by and among YUM, Yum Restaurants Consulting (Shanghai) Company Limited and Yum China Holdings, Inc., which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 2.1 to YUM's Report on Form 8-K filed on November 3, 2016.
3.1
Restated Articles of Incorporation of YUM, effective May 26, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to YUM's Report on Form 8-K filed on May 31, 2011.
3.2
Amended and restated Bylaws of YUM, effective July 15, 2016, which are incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to YUM's Report on Form 8-K filed on July 19, 2016.
4.1
Indenture, dated as of May 1, 1998, between YUM and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., successor in interest to The First National Bank of Chicago, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to YUM's Report on Form 8-K filed on May 13, 1998.
(i)
6.875% Senior Notes due November 15, 2037 issued under the forgoing May 1, 1998 indenture, which notes are incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.3 (included in Exhibit 4.1) to YUM's Report on Form 8-K filed on October 22, 2007.
(ii)
3.875% Senior Notes due November 1, 2020 issued under the forgoing May 1, 1998 indenture, which notes are incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2 (included in Exhibit 4.1) to YUM's Report on Form 8-K filed on August 31, 2010.
(iii)
3.750% Senior Notes due November 1, 2021 issued under the forgoing May 1, 1998 indenture, which notes are incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2 (included in Exhibit 4.1) to YUM's Report on Form 8-K filed August 29, 2011.
(iv)
3.875% Senior Notes due November 1, 2023 issued under the forgoing May 1, 1998 indenture, which notes are incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2 (included in Exhibit 4.1) to YUM's Report on Form 8-K filed October 31, 2013.
(v)
5.350% Senior Notes due November 1, 2043 issued under the forgoing May 1, 1998 indenture, which notes are incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.3 (included in Exhibit 4.1) to YUM's Report on Form 8-K filed October 31, 2013.
4.2
Description of Securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Common Stock) as filed herewith.
10.1
Credit Agreement, dated as of June 16, 2016, by and among Pizza Hut Holdings, LLC, KFC Holding Co., and Taco Bell of America, LLC, as the borrowers, the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., Fifth Third Bank and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners, Barclays Bank PLC, The Bank of Nova Scotia, Cooperatieve Rabobank U.A., New York Branch, and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited, New York Branch, as Co-Documentation Agents and Co-Managers, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to YUM's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 11, 2016.
Exhibit
Number
Description of Exhibits
10.1.1
Refinancing Amendment, dated as of March 21, 2017, to Credit Agreement dated as of June 16, 2016 among Pizza Hut Holdings, LLC, KFC Holding Co. and Taco Bell of America, LLC, as borrowers, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender, an L/C Issuer and Administrative Agent for the Lenders, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to YUM's Report on Form 8-K as filed on March 23, 2017.
10.1.2
Refinancing Amendment No. 2, dated as of June 7, 2017, to Credit Agreement dated as of June 16, 2016, as amended, among Pizza Hut Holdings, LLC, KFC Holding Co. and Taco Bell of America, LLC, as borrowers, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender, an L/C Issuer and Administrative Agent for the Lenders, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to YUM's Report on Form 8-K as filed on June 8, 2017.
10.1.3
Refinancing Amendment, dated as of April 3, 2018, to Credit Agreement dated as of June 16, 2016 among Pizza Hut Holdings, LLC, KFC Holding Co. and Taco Bell of America, LLC, as borrowers, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender, an L/C Issuer and Administrative Agent for the Lenders, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to YUM's Report on Form 8-K as filed on April 9, 2018.
10.2†
YUM Director Deferred Compensation Plan, as effective October 7, 1997, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.7 to YUM's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 1997.
10.2.1†
YUM Director Deferred Compensation Plan, Plan Document for the 409A Program, as effective January 1, 2005, and as Amended through November 14, 2008, which is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.7.1 to YUM's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 13, 2009.
10.3†
YUM Executive Incentive Compensation Plan, as effective May 20, 2004, and as Amended through the Second Amendment, as effective May 21, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit A of YUM's Definitive Proxy Statement on Form DEF 14A for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 21, 2009.
10.4†
YUM Executive Income Deferral Program, as effective October 7, 1997, and as amended through May 16, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.10 to YUM's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.
10.4.1†
YUM! Brands Executive Income Deferral Program, Plan Document for the 409A Program, as effective January 1, 2005, and as Amended through June 30, 2009, which is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.10.1 to YUM's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 13, 2009.
10.5†
YUM! Brands Pension Equalization Plan, Plan Document for the Pre-409A Program, as effective January 1, 2005, and as Amended through December 31, 2010, which is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.7 to Yum's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 19, 2011.
10.5.1†
The Yum! Brands, Inc. Pension Equalization Plan, Restated Plan Document for the 409A Program effective January 1, 2005, as amended through January 1, 2017, which is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.5.1 to YUM's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.
10.6†
Form of Directors' Indemnification Agreement, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.17 to YUM's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 1997.
10.7†
Form of Yum! Brands, Inc. Change in Control Severance Agreement, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to Yum’s Report on Form 8-K filed on March 21, 2013.
10.8†
YUM! Long Term Incentive Plan, as Amended and Restated effective as of May 20, 2016 as incorporated by reference from Form DEF 14A filed on April 8, 2016.
Exhibit
Number
Description of Exhibits
10.9†
YUM SharePower Plan, as effective October 7, 1997, and as amended through June 23, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.23 to YUM's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.
10.10†
Form of YUM Director Stock Option Award Agreement, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.25 to YUM's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 4, 2004.
10.11†
Form of YUM 1999 Long Term Incentive Plan Award Agreement, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.26 to YUM's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 4, 2004.
10.11.1†
Form of YUM 1999 Long Term Incentive Plan Award Agreement (2013) (Stock Options), which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.15.1 to YUM’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 23, 2013.
10.11.2†
Form of YUM 1999 Long Term Incentive Plan Award Agreement (2015) (Stock Options), which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.15.2 to YUM's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2014.
10.11.3†
Form of YUM Long Term Incentive Plan Global YUM! Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (2019), which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.11.3 to YUM’s Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 8, 2019.
10.12†
Yum! Brands, Inc. International Retirement Plan, as in effect January 1, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.27 to YUM's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2004.
10.13†
Form of 1999 Long Term Incentive Plan Award Agreement (Stock Appreciation Rights) which is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99.1 to YUM's Report on Form 8-K as filed on January 30, 2006.
10.13.1†
Form of YUM 1999 Long Term Incentive Plan Award Agreement (2013) (Stock Appreciation Rights), which is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.18.1 to YUM’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 23, 2013.
10.13.2†
Form of YUM 1999 Long Term Incentive Plan Award Agreement (2015) (Stock Appreciation Rights), which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.18.2 to YUM's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2014.
10.13.3†
Yum! Brands, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan Form of Global YUM! Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement (2019), which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.13.3 to YUM’s Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 8, 2019.
10.13.4†
Yum! Brands, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan Form of Global Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (2019), which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.20 to YUM’s Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 8, 2019.
10.14†
YUM! Brands Leadership Retirement Plan, as in effect January 1, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.32 to YUM's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 24, 2007.
10.14.1†
YUM! Brands Leadership Retirement Plan, Plan Document for the 409A Program, as effective January 1, 2005, and as Amended through December, 2009, which is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.21.1 to YUM's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2009.
10.15†
YUM! Performance Share Plan, as amended and restated January 1, 2013, which is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to YUM's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 13, 2015.
10.16†
YUM! Brands Third Country National Retirement Plan, as effective January 1, 2009, which is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.25 to YUM's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2009.
10.17†
2010 YUM! Brands Supplemental Long Term Disability Coverage Summary, as effective January 1, 2010, which is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.26 to YUM's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2009.
10.18†
1999 Long Term Incentive Plan Award (Stock Appreciation Rights) by and between the Company and David C. Novak, dated as of February 6, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.27 to YUM's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2014.
Exhibit
Number
Description of Exhibits
10.19†
Yum! Brands, Inc. Compensation Recovery Policy, Amended and Restated January 1, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.28 to YUM's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2014.
10.20
Indenture, dated as of June 16, 2016, by and among KFC Holding Co., Pizza Hut Holdings, LLC and Taco Bell of America, LLC, as issuers, the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to YUM's Report on Form 8-K filed on June 21, 2016.
10.21
Indenture, dated as of June 15, 2017, by and among KFC Holding Co., Pizza Hut Holdings, LLC and Taco Bell of America, LLC, as issuers, the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to YUM's Report on Form 8-K filed on June 16, 2017.
10.22
Base Indenture, dated as of May 11, 2016, between Taco Bell Funding, LLC, as issuer and Citibank, N.A., as trustee and securities intermediary, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to YUM’s Report on Form 8-K filed on May 16, 2016.
10.22.1
Series 2016-1 Supplement to Base Indenture dated as of May 11, 2016, by and between Taco Bell Funding, LLC, as issuer and Citibank, N.A. as Trustee and Series 2016-1 securities intermediary, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.2 to YUM’s Report on Form 8-K filed on May 16, 2016.
10.22.2
Series 2018-1 Supplement to Base Indenture, dated as of November 28, 2018, by and between the Issuer and Citibank, N.A. as Trustee and Series 2018-1 securities intermediary, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to YUM’s Report on Form 8-K filed on December 3, 2018.
10.22.3
Amendment No. 1 to Base Indenture, dated as of August 23, 2016, by and between the Issuer and Citibank, N.A. as Trustee and Series 2016-1 securities intermediary, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.22.3 to YUM's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.
10.22.4
Amendment No. 2 to Base Indenture, dated as of November 28, 2018, by and between the Issuer and Citibank, N.A. as Trustee and the Series 2018-1 securities intermediary, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to YUM’s Report on Form 8-K filed on December 3, 2018.
10.23
Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, dated as of May 11, 2016, by Taco Bell Franchise Holder 1, LLC, Taco Bell Franchisor, LLC, Taco Bell IP Holder, LLC and Taco Bell Franchisor Holdings, LLC in favor of Citibank, N.A., which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to YUM’s Report on Form 8-K filed on May 16, 2016.
10.24
Management Agreement, dated as of May 11, 2016, among Taco Bell Funding, LLC, as issuer, Taco Bell Franchise Holder 1, LLC, Taco Bell Franchisor, LLC, Taco Bell IP Holder, LLC, Taco Bell Franchisor Holdings, LLC, Citibank, N.A. and Taco Bell Corp., as manager, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to YUM’s Report on Form 8-K filed on May 16, 2016.
10.24.1
Amendment No.1 to Management Agreement, dated as of August 24, 2016, among Taco Bell Funding, LLC, as issuer, Taco Bell Franchise Holder 1, LLC, Taco Bell Franchisor, LLC, Taco Bell IP Holder, LLC, Taco Bell Franchisor Holdings, LLC and Taco Bell Corp., as manager, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.25.1 to YUM's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.
10.24.2
Amendment No. 2 to Management Agreement, dated as of November 28, 2018, among Taco Bell Funding, LLC, as issuer, Taco Bell Franchise Holder 1, LLC, Taco Bell Franchisor, LLC, Taco Bell IP Holder, LLC, Taco Bell Franchisor Holdings, LLC, Citibank, N.A. and Taco Bell Corp., as manager, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.25.2 to YUM's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.
10.25
Indenture, dated as of September 11, 2019, by and between the Issuer and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to YUM's Report on Form 8-K filed on September 16, 2019.
10.26
Master License Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2016, by and between Yum! Restaurants Asia Pte. Ltd. and Yum Restaurants Consulting (Shanghai) Company Limited, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to YUM's Report on Form 8-K filed on November 3, 2016.
Exhibit
Number
Description of Exhibits
10.27
Tax Matters Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2016, by and among YUM, Yum China Holdings, Inc. and Yum Restaurants Consulting (Shanghai) Company Limited, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to YUM's Report on Form 8-K filed on November 3, 2016.
10.28†
Offer Letter dated June 19, 2019, between the Company and Christopher Turner, which is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.28 to YUM’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2019.
10.29†
Offer Letter dated July 16, 2019, between the Company and Mark King as filed herein.
21.1
Active Subsidiaries of YUM.
23.1
Consent of KPMG LLP.
31.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS
Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
†
Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan.

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Stock Performance Metrics:
Return: -0.01254871860146523
1-Day Return: $1_day_return
3-Day Return: $3_day_return
5-Day Return: $5_day_return
10-Day Return: $10_day_return
20-Day Return: $20_day_return
40-Day Return: $40_day_return
60-Day Return: $60_day_return
80-Day Return: $80_day_return
100-Day Return: $100_day_return
150-Day Return: $150_day_return
252-Day Return: $252_day_return