Restaurant Brands International (NYSE:QSR) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 12, 2026 08:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsJosh Kobza - CEOKendall Peck - Head of Investor RelationsPatrick Doyle - Executive ChairmanSami Siddiqui - CFOConference Call ParticipantsAndrew Charles - AnalystBrian Bittner - AnalystBrian Harbour - AnalystBrian Mullan - AnalystChristine Cho - AnalystDanilo Gargiulo - AnalystDavid Palmer - AnalystDennis Geiger - AnalystJohn Ivankoe - AnalystOperatorGood morning, and welcome to the Restaurant ...

Core Insights - McDonald's reported a 20% increase in systemwide sales to loyalty members, reaching nearly $37 billion for the full year 2025, with 90-day active loyalty users up 19% to nearly 210 million [1] - Global systemwide sales increased by 7% to over $139 billion, with a growth of $9 billion, while comparable sales for the fourth quarter rose by 5.7% [1] - The company's diluted earnings per share for the fourth quarter was $3.03, an increase of 8%, and for the full year, it was $11.95, up 5% [1] Financial Performance - Fourth quarter global comparable sales increased by 5.7%, with the U.S. market growing by 6.8%, International Operated Markets by 5.2%, and International Developmental Licensed Markets by 4.5% [1] - For the full year, global comparable sales rose by 3.1%, with the U.S. increasing by 2.1%, International Operated Markets by 3.2%, and International Developmental Licensed Markets by 4.6% [1] - Consolidated operating income for the fourth quarter increased by 6%, while for the full year, it rose by 6% as well, despite net pre-tax charges of $229 million related to restructuring [1] Revenue and Expenses - Total revenues for the fourth quarter were $7,009 million, a 10% increase from the previous year, while full-year revenues reached $26,885 million, up 4% [3] - Revenues from franchised restaurants for the fourth quarter were $4,311 million, a 9% increase, while sales from company-owned and operated restaurants were $2,536 million, a 10% increase [3] - Operating costs and expenses for the fourth quarter totaled $3,853 million, up 9% from the previous year, with significant increases in occupancy expenses and other restaurant expenses [3] Cash Flow and Investments - Cash provided by operations for the full year was $10,551 million, compared to $9,447 million in the previous year, indicating strong operational cash flow [3] - Free cash flow for the year was $7,186 million, up from $6,672 million, reflecting the company's ability to convert net profits into cash resources [3] - Capital expenditures for the year were $3,365 million, an increase from $2,775 million, indicating ongoing investment in the business [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q2 Fiscal 2026, total revenue was $57.1 million, an increase of 22.3% or $10.4 million compared to the prior year, primarily driven by increased revenue from company-owned salons due to the Align acquisition [11] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 was $8 million, an increase of $900,000 year-over-year, reflecting improved G&A discipline and contributions from the company-owned salon portfolio [2][14] - GAAP operating income increased by 13% to $6.2 million compared to $5.5 million in the year-ago quarter, driven by contributions from company-owned salons and cost management [10][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Supercuts delivered same-store sales growth of 2% year-to-date, while consolidated same-store sales increased by 0.4% [3][4] - The company-owned salon segment reported adjusted EBITDA of $1.8 million for the quarter, an improvement of $1.1 million year-over-year, primarily due to the increase in the number of company-owned salons [15] - SmartStyle continues to face performance challenges, but the company is focused on stabilization and improvement [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a net decrease of 374 franchise locations compared to the previous year, with closures primarily involving underperforming stores [11] - The gap between the lowest-performing stores and top performers was approximately $350,000, indicating potential for profitability enhancement [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on building a more durable and disciplined Regis, emphasizing cash generation, financial performance, and long-term value creation [2] - Key priorities include reducing friction, increasing franchisee adoption and compliance, and demonstrating measurable improvements through targeted pilots [4][8] - The company is leveraging technology, including AI, to improve operational efficiency and enhance customer experience [7][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged traffic as a significant challenge impacting top-line performance, with a focus on sustainable traffic improvements as a central objective [3][8] - The company is encouraged by progress in profitability, cash generation, and organizational focus, which supports confidence in future growth [8][21] Other Important Information - The company generated $3.9 million in cash from operations year-to-date, an improvement of $3.1 million compared to the prior year [16] - As of December 31, 2025, the company had $27.4 million in available liquidity and $18.4 million in unrestricted cash [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: What initiatives are in place to improve performance at Align stores? - Management highlighted three components: refinement of the pay plan, pricing adjustments, and labor optimization using AI to better align staffing with sales patterns [24][25][26] Question: Can you confirm the reduction in store closures compared to last fiscal year? - Management confirmed that closures are expected to be about 50% lower than the previous fiscal year [28][29] Question: What feedback is being received from potential replacement lenders regarding refinancing? - Management stated that initial conversations are ongoing, but specific rates cannot be disclosed at this time [32] Question: What initiatives are being implemented to address foot traffic goals? - Management emphasized the importance of loyalty programs, customer acquisition strategies, and data analysis to drive traffic and retention [33][34] Question: Are there plans to add Cost Cutters locations, and why is loyalty adoption lagging in SmartStyle and Cost Cutters? - Management indicated that while there is no major push to add Cost Cutters locations, some are being converted from defunct businesses. Loyalty adoption is lagging due to a later start in implementation [35][36][37]

Core Insights - Comcast's Xfinity has launched a new loyalty program called Xfinity Membership, which combines rewards, benefits, and experiences for customers [1][2] - All eligible Xfinity customers will automatically become members, gaining access to enhanced perks and discounts based on their service tenure and number of services [2][8] Membership Details - Xfinity Membership includes automatic status with no additional cost or enrollment required, and over 30% of current Xfinity Rewards members will be upgraded to a higher tier [2][8] - Membership tiers are categorized as Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond, rewarding customers based on their tenure and the number of services they use [8] Benefits and Experiences - Members will enjoy weekly perks, discounts on mobile and streaming services, and exclusive experiences such as VIP event access [8][9] - The program features a concert series in San Francisco, offering complimentary tickets and VIP experiences for members [4][5][6] Ongoing Engagement - New perks and experiences will be added regularly throughout the year, ensuring continuous engagement and value for members [7][8] - The membership aims to provide seamless access to benefits through the Xfinity app, enhancing customer experience [3][9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Delta achieved record revenue of $58.3 billion for the full year 2025, reflecting a 2.3% year-over-year increase, with an operating margin of 10% and earnings per share of $5.82 [5][16] - In Q4 2025, Delta reported record revenue of $14.6 billion, a 1.2% increase from Q4 2024, despite a $200 million impact from the government shutdown [18][23] - Free cash flow reached $4.6 billion, the highest in Delta's history, contributing to a reduction in leverage by more than 50% over the past three years [5][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Premium revenue grew by 7%, cargo revenue increased by 9%, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) revenue surged by 25% in 2025 [16][17] - Total loyalty revenue improved by 6%, with travel products continuing to grow at double-digit rates [17] - Corporate sales grew by 8%, with significant contributions from banking, consumer services, and media sectors [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. economy remains strong, with consumers prioritizing travel, which is among the top spending categories [8] - Business travel is showing signs of recovery, with corporate customers indicating an expected increase in travel spending [8][19] - Delta's market share is at an all-time high, reflecting gradual gains over the years [51] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Delta aims to reshape the end-to-end travel experience, focusing on premium offerings and enhancing customer engagement through technology and partnerships [9][10] - The company plans to expand its international footprint while continuing to grow margins, supported by investments in fleet renewal and joint ventures [11][20] - Delta's strategy includes leveraging its loyalty program and co-branded partnerships to drive high-margin revenue streams [10][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2026, expecting earnings per share growth of 20% year-over-year and free cash flow of $3-$4 billion [9][25] - The company anticipates revenue growth of 5%-7% in Q1 2026, supported by strong demand and a balanced supply-demand environment [19][24] - Management acknowledged the challenges of the previous year but emphasized a strong start to 2026 with record bookings and positive demand trends [19][25] Other Important Information - Delta announced an order for 30 Boeing 787-10 aircraft, enhancing its international network and operational capabilities [11][27] - The company is committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet, with adjusted net debt of approximately $14 billion and unencumbered assets of $35 billion [24][26] - Delta's operational reliability has improved, being recognized as the most on-time airline in North America [76] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of potential interest rate cap on Delta's competitiveness - Management noted that while it is early to speculate, Delta's premium card offerings would likely maintain their value and differentiation even if the cap is implemented [32][34] Question: Glen's reflections on industry evolution - Glen expressed pride in Delta's accomplishments and highlighted the importance of continued boldness in strategy for future success [84] Question: Acceleration of demand trends - Management confirmed that demand has accelerated across all segments and geographies, with a return to more normal booking patterns [44][45] Question: Corporate demand outlook - Management indicated that corporate demand is strong, with Delta's market share at an all-time high, contributing to positive expectations for 2026 [51] Question: Differentiation in operational reliability - Management acknowledged ongoing work to improve recovery from irregular operations but emphasized Delta's strong foundation and leadership in operational metrics [76][78] Question: MRO business outlook - Management expressed optimism for the MRO segment, anticipating significant revenue growth and margin expansion in the coming years [86][88]

Core Viewpoint - Chipotle Mexican Grill is focusing on global expansion and digital-first formats to drive long-term growth through new restaurant openings [1] Group 1: Expansion and Growth - Analysts are emphasizing Chipotle's international expansion, menu innovation, and long-term unit growth as key performance drivers [1] - Chipotle currently operates around 4,000 restaurants, with approximately 115 located outside the United States, including Canada, Europe, and the Middle East [2] - The company is expected to achieve unit growth in the range of 8% to 10% over the coming years, with projections of 350 to 370 new openings in 2026 [3] Group 2: Financial Performance - Average unit volume (AUV) increased to $3.2 million in 2024 from $2.2 million in 2019, but is expected to decline to $3.05 million in 2025 due to macro pressures [4] - The stock has seen a 32% decline over the past year, attributed to cyclical pressures, but a rebound is anticipated as comparable store sales improve in 2026 [4] Group 3: Market Trends and Initiatives - The company is expected to benefit from macro tailwinds such as higher tax refunds, lower gas prices, and reduced interest rates [5] - New menu initiatives, including a high-protein menu and limited-time offers (LTOs), are expected to attract more customers and enhance results [5] - Plans for a loyalty program refresh and increased marketing spend are also in place to strengthen customer engagement [5] Group 4: Margin Outlook - Margin recovery is anticipated in late 2026 and into 2027, despite facing near-term inflation and tariffs [6]

Core Insights - Olo has acquired Spendgo, a loyalty and guest engagement platform, and is launching Olo Loyalty to integrate these capabilities into its existing suite of restaurant technology solutions [1][3] Group 1: Acquisition and Integration - The acquisition aims to provide restaurant operators with a single platform for managing customer interactions, combining loyalty capabilities with ordering, payment, guest data, and marketing tools [1][2] - Olo reports that approximately 65% of locations using its system already have some form of loyalty program, indicating a strong demand for built-in loyalty options [2] Group 2: Features and Benefits - The integrated setup will automatically update customer profiles with each interaction, enhancing visibility into the impact of loyalty schemes on customer behavior and revenue [3] - Olo Loyalty will allow restaurant brands to create unified customer profiles and run personalized offers and communications from sign-up to redemption [2][3] Group 3: Leadership and Market Position - Spendgo currently supports over 120 restaurant brands, including notable names like Cold Stone Creamery and Captain D's, with its leadership team transitioning to Olo to further develop the loyalty product [5][6] - Olo's CEO, Noah Glass, emphasized that the integration of loyalty with Olo's solutions provides a competitive advantage through cleaner data and personalized guest interactions [4]

Core Insights - The strategic alliance between Rakuten and Uber aims to enhance user experience by integrating Rakuten ID into Uber's services, creating new value through Rakuten Points, a significant loyalty program in Japan [1][8]. Strategic Partnership and Loyalty Program Integration - Uber Japan and Uber Eats Japan will implement Rakuten Payment's shared point service, allowing users to earn one Rakuten Point for every 200 yen spent on these platforms [2]. - Users can combine Rakuten Point Online with Rakuten Pay to earn up to 2% back in Rakuten Points, increasing the benefits of using Uber's services amid rising living costs [3]. Subscription Benefits and Personalized Experience - By subscribing to Uber One for 498 yen monthly, users can earn Uber One Credits equivalent to 10% of the fare amount, enhancing savings [4]. - The partnership enables Uber to utilize Rakuten's extensive data assets for personalized recommendations and promotions [4]. Special Campaigns and Future Plans - A campaign titled "Earn up to 1,000 Points by Linking Your Rakuten ID with Uber" will run until December 22, 2025, incentivizing users to link their accounts and spend on Uber services [5]. - The first 500,000 users who link their Rakuten ID and spend at least 1,500 yen on Uber Eats will earn 300 Rakuten Points, with additional points available for Uber rides [6]. Additional Benefits for Specific Users - Rakuten Mobile subscribers linking their Rakuten ID will receive 20 times the standard Rakuten Points when using Uber or Uber Eats [7]. - Uber One members who link their Rakuten ID can purchase an annual plan at a 70% discount, further enhancing the value of the subscription [11].

This is very much part of our Jet Forward strategy. Um, we've been working very hard for the last several quarters on really turning towards premium and trying to make sure that we're offering more opportunities for customers who want to pay a little more and the lounge is part of that. Our transition to a first class product next year, a domestic first class product would be part of that.Our premier card um or even more as a cabin. Um, and really excited to start seeing all of that come to life in 2026. Al ...

Core Insights - Air Canada reflects on a successful 2025, highlighting customer loyalty, employee dedication, and partnerships as key to its achievements [1][3] - The airline is optimistic about future growth and plans to build on its successes in 2026 [1][3] Expansion and Network Growth - Air Canada announced a significant expansion of its schedule to Latin America, introducing four new destinations, 13 new routes, and increasing capacity by 16% [4] - In 2025, the airline launched 12 new international destinations and announced seven more for 2026, enhancing its position as a major transatlantic carrier [10] Customer Experience Enhancements - The airline improved its Economy travel experience by offering complimentary beer, wine, and exclusive Canadian-made snacks on all flights, including routes to Mexico and the Caribbean [11] - New onboard features include fast, free Wi-Fi in North America and complimentary beverages for all customers [8] Awards and Recognition - Air Canada received the Five Star Global Airline Award for the sixth consecutive year at the APEX 2026 Awards, with its onboard Wi-Fi ranked as the Best Inflight Connectivity [5] - The airline was named the Best Airline in North America at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, along with multiple other accolades for its services and employee satisfaction [16] Loyalty Program Growth - Air Canada's Aeroplan loyalty program reached a milestone of 10 million members in 2025, expanding its partnerships to enhance rewards for members [6] Sustainability Initiatives - The airline achieved 100% electrification of its ground support equipment fleet at the Québec City station, transitioning from fossil fuel-powered equipment to electric alternatives [7] Operational Performance - Air Canada ranked in the Top 3 for on-time performance among North American carriers for three months in 2025, improving its on-time performance by three percentage points compared to 2024 [14] Community Engagement - The airline's "Dreams Take Flight" program successfully provided over a thousand children across Canada with magical experiences at theme parks in Florida and California [9] Infrastructure Developments - Air Canada opened two new Café locations at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport and Vancouver International Airport, designed to enhance customer experience [15]