Note 18  Contingencies Indemnification of China Tax on Indirect Transfers of Assets In February 2015, the STA issued Bulletin 7 on Income arising from Indirect Transfers of Assets by Non-Resident Enterprises. Pursuant to Bulletin 7, an indirect transfer of Chinese taxable assets, including equity interests in a Chinese 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. As a result, gains derived from such an indirect transfer may be subject to Chinese enterprise income tax at a rate of 10%. YUM concluded and we concurred that it is more likely than not that YUM will not be subject to this tax with respect to the distribution. However, given how recently Bulletin 7 was promulgated, 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 taxing authorities will ultimately view the distribution. As a result, YUMs position could be challenged by Chinese tax authorities resulting in a 10% tax assessed on the difference between the fair market value and the tax basis of the separated China business. As YUMs tax basis in the China business is minimal, the amount of such a tax could be significant. Any tax liability arising from the application of Bulletin 7 to the distribution is expected to be settled in accordance with the tax matters agreement between the Company and YUM. Pursuant to the tax matters agreement, to the extent any Chinese indirect transfer tax pursuant to Bulletin 7 is imposed, such tax and related losses will be allocated between YUM and the Company in proportion to their respective share of the combined market capitalization of YUM and the Company during the 30 trading days after the separation. Such a settlement could be significant and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and our financial condition. At the inception of the tax indemnity being provided to YUM, the fair value of the non-contingent obligation to stand ready to perform was insignificant and the liability for the contingent obligation to make payment was not probable or estimable. Guarantees for Franchisees and Unconsolidated Affiliates From time to time we have guaranteed certain lines of credit and loans of franchisees and unconsolidated affiliates. As of December 31, 2019, guarantees on behalf of franchisees were immaterial and no guarantees were outstanding for unconsolidated affiliates. Indemnification of Officers and Directors The Companys amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws include provisions that require the Company to indemnify directors or officers for monetary damages for actions taken as a director or officer of the Company or while serving at the Companys request as a director or officer or another position at another corporation or enterprise, as the case may be. The Company purchases standard directors and officers insurance to cover claims or a portion of the claims made against its directors and officers. Since a maximum obligation is not explicitly stated in the Companys bylaws or in the indemnification agreements and will depend on the facts and circumstances that arise out of any future claims, the overall maximum amount of the obligations cannot be reasonably estimated. The Company has not been required to make payments related to these obligations, and the fair value for these obligations is zero as of December 31, 2019. Legal Proceedings The Company is subject to various lawsuits covering a variety of allegations from time to time. 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 Companys annual results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. Matters faced by the Company from time to time include, but are not limited to, claims from landlords, employees, customers and others related to operational, contractual or employment issues.