v3.26.3
Equity Method Investments
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2026
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]  
Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments
As discussed in Note 5, BK China, upon establishment of the BK China JV on January 30, 2026, we recorded an investment in the BK China JV of $66 million and we began accounting for our interest in the BK China JV under the equity method of accounting.
The aggregate carrying amounts of our equity method investments were $175 million and $111 million as of September 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively, and are included as a component of Other assets, net in our accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
The aggregate market value of our 4.1% equity interest in TH International Limited (“Tims China”) based on the quoted market price on September 30, 2026 was approximately $2 million. No quoted market prices are available for our other equity method investments.
We have equity interests in entities that own or franchise Tim Hortons, Burger King, and Popeyes restaurants. Revenues recognized from franchisees that are owned or franchised by entities in which we have an equity interest, consist of the following (in millions):
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2026202520262025
Revenues from affiliates:
Royalties$100 $96 $281 $254 
Advertising revenues and other services— 2 6 5 
Property revenues1 — 1 1 
Franchise fees and other revenue3 4 9 11 
Supply chain sales3 4 11 12 
Total$107 $106 $308 $283 
At September 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025, we had $36 million and $41 million, respectively, of accounts receivable, net from our equity method investments which were recorded in Accounts and notes receivable, net in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.
With respect to our Tim Hortons business, the most significant equity method investment is our 50% joint venture interest with The Wendy’s Company (the “TIMWEN Partnership”), which jointly holds real estate underlying Canadian combination restaurants. Distributions received from this joint venture were $4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025, and $11 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025.
Associated with the TIMWEN Partnership, we recognized $5 million and $6 million of rent expense during the three months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025, respectively, and we recognized $15 million and $16 million of rent expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025, respectively.
(Income) loss from equity method investments reflects our share of investee net income or loss as well as gains or losses from changes in our ownership interests in equity investees.
Tims China issued us convertible notes in multiple installments with an aggregate principal amount of $88 million due September 30, 2029, which are included within Other assets, net in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2026. Subsequent to September 30, 2026, Tims China issued an incremental $15 million with terms consistent with existing outstanding convertible notes.