Here's Why You Should Retain ARCO Stock in Your Portfolio Now

Core Insights - Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc. (ARCO) is positioned to benefit from digital transformation, loyalty program expansion, and restaurant modernization initiatives, despite facing challenging macroeconomic conditions [1] Growth Catalysts for ARCO Stock - The strategic "Four D's" — Digital, Delivery, Drive-thru, and Development — are key growth drivers, with digital sales increasing by 18% year-over-year in 2024 [2] - In 2024, ARCO opened 85 Experience of the Future (EOTF) restaurants and upgraded over 150 existing ones, achieving a 67% penetration of EOTF in its portfolio, with plans to open 90-100 new EOTF restaurants in 2025 [3] - Digital channels in Brazil accounted for nearly 70% of sales in Q4 2024, driven by app-based ordering and loyalty rewards, alongside successful marketing campaigns [4] Loyalty Program Expansion - The loyalty program added 12.6 million new members in 2024, totaling 15.8 million registered users, contributing 18% of Q4 sales in Brazil, Costa Rica, and Uruguay [5] - The program is set to expand into Argentina and Colombia in early 2025, with plans for broader rollout across all markets by late 2025 or early 2026 [5] Concerns for Arcos Dorados Stock - ARCO's shares have declined by 24.9% over the past six months, compared to a 4.6% decline in the industry, attributed to macroeconomic headwinds and shifts in consumer sentiment [7] - Anticipated softness in comparable sales growth for Q1 is linked to challenging year-over-year comparisons and weaker currency levels in core markets [8][9]