McDonald's CorporationMCD

Human capital and workforce · Key personnel dependence and succession

Effective succession planning for management is important to our long-term success. Failure to effectively attract, recruit, develop, motivate and retain qualified key personnel, or to execute smooth personnel transitions, could disrupt our business and adversely affect our results.

International and currency · International operations and emerging markets

We encounter differing and evolving cultural, regulatory, geopolitical and economic environments within and among the more than 100 countries where McDonald's restaurants operate, and our ability to achieve our business objectives depends on the System's success in these environments. An inability to manage effectively the risks associated with our international operations could adversely affect our business and financial results.

Capital structure and performance · Credit rating and cost of capital

A decrease in our credit ratings or an increase in our funding costs could adversely affect our profitability. Our credit ratings may be negatively affected by our results of operations or changes in our debt levels. As a result, our interest expense, the availability of acceptable counterparties, our ability to obtain funding on favorable terms, our collateral requirements and our operating or financial flexibility could all be negatively affected.

International and currency · Foreign exchange and currency exposure

Our results of operations are also affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates, and unfavorable currency fluctuations could adversely affect reported earnings.

Market and investment · Interest rate and yield curve risk

Our operations may also be impacted by regulations affecting capital flows, financial markets or financial institutions, which can limit our ability to manage and deploy our liquidity or increase our funding costs. Any such events could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

Cybersecurity and data protection · Data breaches and cyber attacks

Security incidents and breaches have occurred from time to time and may occur in the future involving our systems, the systems of the parties with whom we communicate or collaborate (including franchisees) or the systems of third-party providers. Additionally, cybersecurity threats continue to become more sophisticated, including AI-enabled attacks and deepfake technology. Incidents may include unauthorized access, phishing attacks, account takeovers, denial of service, computer viruses, deepfakes and other malicious uses of artificial intelligence, introduction of malware or ransomware, other disruptive problems caused by hackers or unintentional events.

Technology infrastructure · Technology systems and infrastructure failure

We are increasingly reliant upon technology systems, such as point-of-sale, that support our business operations, including our digital and delivery solutions, and technologies that facilitate communication and collaboration with affiliated entities, customers, employees, franchisees, suppliers, service providers or other independent third parties. Any failure or interruption of these systems could significantly impact our or our franchisees' operations, or our customers' experiences and perceptions.

Information management · Technology vendor dependence

Certain technology systems may also become vulnerable, unreliable or inefficient in cases where technology vendors limit or terminate product support and/or maintenance. Our increasing reliance on third-party systems also subjects us to risks faced by those third-party businesses, including operational, security and credit risks.

Technology infrastructure · Disaster recovery and business continuity

Despite the implementation of business continuity measures, any of these technology systems could become vulnerable to damage, disability or failures due to fire, power loss, telecommunications failure or other catastrophic events. If technology systems were to fail or otherwise be unavailable, or if business continuity or disaster recovery plans were not effective, and we were unable to recover in a timely manner, we could experience an interruption in our or our franchisees' operations.

Social and demographic · Stakeholder activism and pressure

In recent years, there has been an increasing focus by stakeholders – including employees, franchisees, customers, suppliers, governmental and non-governmental organizations and investors – on environmental and social impact matters. Stakeholder expectations may vary significantly, so our taking a position, whether real or perceived, on environmental and social impact, public policy, geopolitical and similar matters could also adversely impact our business.

Economic and market conditions · Economic recession and downturns

Our results of operations are substantially affected by economic conditions, including inflationary pressures, which can vary significantly by market and can impact consumer disposable income levels and spending habits. Sustained adverse economic conditions or periodic adverse changes in economic conditions put pressure on our operating performance and business continuity disruption planning, and our business and financial results may suffer as a result.

Social and demographic · Public perception and reputation

Consumer perceptions may also be affected by adverse commentary from third parties, including through social media or conventional media outlets, regarding the quick-service category of the 'informal eating out' ('IEO') segment or our brand, culture, operations, suppliers or franchisees. If we are unsuccessful in addressing adverse commentary or perceptions, whether or not accurate, our brand and financial results may suffer.

Natural and catastrophic events · Climate change and environmental impact

For example, we are working to manage risks and costs to our System related to climate change, greenhouse gases, and diminishing energy and water resources, and we have announced initiatives relating to, among other things, climate action, sustainability, and responsible sourcing. Climate change may also increase the frequency and severity of weather-related events and natural disasters.

Geopolitical and trade · Political instability and government changes

While we may face challenges and uncertainties in any of the markets in which we operate, such challenges and uncertainties are often heightened in developing markets, which may entail a relatively higher risk of political instability, economic volatility, crime, corruption and social and ethnic unrest.

Geopolitical and trade · International conflicts and tensions

Some or all of the above-referenced disruptions or volatility can also result from acts of war, terrorism or other hostilities. Such governmental actions may have a broader impact on macroeconomic conditions, geopolitical tensions, anti-American sentiment, consumer demand and the ability of us and our franchisees to operate in certain geographic areas, which in turn may have an adverse impact on our business and financial results.

Geopolitical and trade · Trade policies tariffs and sanctions

Disruptions in operations or price volatility in a market can also result from governmental actions (whether proposed or realized, unilateral or bilateral), such as price, foreign exchange or trade-related tariffs or controls, trade policies and regulations, sanctions and counter sanctions, government-mandated closure of our, our franchisees' or our suppliers' operations, and asset seizures.

Customer and revenue · Customer retention and subscription renewal

Our long-term business objectives depend on the successful Systemwide execution of our strategies. We continue to build upon our investments in restaurant development, technology, digital engagement and delivery in order to transform and enhance the customer experience. If these customer experience initiatives are not successfully executed, or if we do not fully realize the intended benefits of these significant investments, our business results may suffer.

Customer and revenue · Changing customer preferences and behavior

Our continued success depends on our System's ability to build upon our historic strengths and competitive advantages. To do so, we need to anticipate and respond effectively to continuously shifting consumer demographics and industry trends in sourcing, food and beverage preparation, menu offerings, and consumer behavior and preferences, including with respect to the use of digital channels, health and wellness trends and environmental and social responsibility matters.

Industry regulation · Regulatory compliance and changes

Our regulatory and legal environment worldwide exposes us to complex compliance, litigation and similar risks that could affect our operations and results in material ways. Many of our markets are subject to increasing, conflicting and highly prescriptive legislative, regulatory or administrative developments and enforcement priorities involving, among other matters, restaurant operations, product packaging and extended producer responsibility, marketing, use of information technology systems, the nutritional and allergen content and safety of our food and other products, labeling and other disclosure practices.

Tax and financial reporting · Tax compliance and changes in tax law

We are subject to income and other taxes in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions, and our operations, plans and results are affected by tax and other initiatives around the world. In particular, we are affected by the impact of changes to tax laws or policy or related authoritative interpretations. Any significant increases in income tax rates, changes in income tax laws or unfavorable resolution of tax matters could have a material adverse impact on our financial results.