Restaurant Brands International (NYSE:QSR) Update / briefing February 26, 2026 08:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsAlexandre Simon - CEOAxel Schwan - President of InternationalBorja Hernandez de Alba - CEOGregorio Jimenez - PresidentJohnson Huang - Operating Partner and ChairmanJosh Kobza - CEOKaterina Glyptis - President of Tim Hortons U.S.Kendall Peck - VP of Investor Relations and TreasuryMark Mao - CEOMike Hancock - President of Firehouse Subs U.S. and CanadaOlivier Bertrand - Founder and OwnerPatrick Doyle ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2025, the company delivered comparable sales growth of 2.4%, net restaurant growth of 2.9%, and system-wide sales growth of 5.3% [31][32] - Organic adjusted operating income growth was 8.3%, and nominal adjusted EPS growth was over 10% [7][30] - The company achieved its third consecutive year of approximately 8% organic adjusted operating income growth, demonstrating consistency within the industry [7][49] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Tim Hortons, which represents roughly 42% of operating profit, delivered comparable sales growth of 2.8% in Canada, outperforming the broader Canadian QSR industry [10][14] - The international segment, contributing about 27% of operating profit, saw comparable sales growth of 4.9% and net restaurant growth of 4.9%, driving system-wide sales growth of nearly 11% [14][15] - Burger King U.S. achieved comparable sales growth of 1.6% for the full year, including 2.6% in the fourth quarter [20][24] - Popeyes experienced a net restaurant growth of 1.6% but faced a decline in comparable sales of 3.2% for the year, resulting in system-wide sales growth of -0.7% [25][28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the international markets, particularly in Europe and Asia Pacific, the company benefited from structural growth and positive same-store sales, with notable performance in France and Japan [62][66] - Burger King China reported a 9.2% growth in comparable sales, driven by improvements in restaurant fundamentals and a new joint venture with CPE [16][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on long-term investments and operational improvements, with a goal to return to a 99% franchise business model [9][30] - The strategy includes refranchising efforts at Burger King U.S. and expanding the restaurant footprint in China [6][30] - The upcoming Investor Day on February 26 will address the company's growth algorithm and plans for net restaurant growth [9][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that 2025 was a challenging year due to elevated costs and macroeconomic pressures, but the fundamentals of the business showed resilience [44][46] - The company expects to ramp back towards 5% unit growth by the end of the growth algorithm period, with a positive outlook for 2026 [32][40] - Management expressed confidence in the ability to build on the momentum from 2025, emphasizing the importance of franchisee profitability and operational consistency [30][44] Other Important Information - The company generated nearly $1.6 billion of free cash flow in 2025 and returned $1.1 billion of capital to shareholders through dividends [36][37] - The total liquidity at year-end was approximately $2.4 billion, with a net leverage ratio of 4.2x [37] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the comparable sales evolution and trajectory in 2026, particularly for Tim Hortons and Burger King? - Management indicated that the strong performance in 2025 sets a positive foundation for 2026, with expectations for a similar consumer environment and continued focus on fundamentals [53][54] Question: How much of the international momentum is driven by a healthier backdrop versus share gains? - Management responded that the momentum is a combination of a supportive market backdrop and effective local strategies, with strong performance in various international markets [60][63] Question: Can you summarize the performance in developed markets, particularly Europe? - Management highlighted consistent positive performance across major Western European markets, with strong results in Turkey and a healthy business in Canada [71][72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2025, the company delivered comparable sales growth of 2.4%, net restaurant growth of 2.9%, and system-wide sales growth of 5.3% [31] - Organic adjusted operating income (AOI) growth was 8.3%, and nominal adjusted EPS growth exceeded 10% [7][31] - The company achieved its third consecutive year of approximately 8% organic adjusted operating income growth, demonstrating consistency within the industry [7][50] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Tim Hortons, which represents about 42% of operating profit, achieved comparable sales growth of 2.8% in Canada, outperforming the broader Canadian QSR industry [10] - The international segment, contributing around 27% of operating profit, saw comparable sales grow by 4.9% for the full year, with system-wide sales growth nearing 11% [15] - Burger King U.S. reported comparable sales growth of 1.6% for the full year, with a notable 2.6% in the fourth quarter [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Canada, Tim Hortons experienced a solid performance despite macroeconomic challenges, with breakfast food sales growing by 3.5% [11] - The international segment's performance was bolstered by strong results in markets like France and Australia, with double-digit system-wide sales growth [15][17] - Burger King China reported a 9.2% increase in comparable sales, driven by improved restaurant fundamentals and marketing efforts [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on long-term growth, with plans to return to a 99% franchise business model and accelerate net restaurant growth to 5%+ [9][32] - A new partnership with CPE in China aims to double Burger King China's restaurant footprint to at least 2,500 units by 2030 [16] - The company is prioritizing operational consistency and franchisee profitability, particularly at Popeyes, where leadership changes have been made to enhance performance [25][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that 2025 was a challenging year due to elevated costs and macroeconomic pressures, but the fundamentals of the business remained resilient [44] - The company expects to build on the momentum from 2025, with a commitment to delivering another year of 8% organic AOI growth in 2026 [42][43] - Management highlighted the importance of franchisee profitability as a key metric for assessing business health, with Tim Hortons maintaining strong average four-wall EBITDA [45] Other Important Information - The company generated nearly $1.6 billion in free cash flow in 2025 and returned $1.1 billion to shareholders through dividends [36] - The total liquidity at year-end was approximately $2.4 billion, with a net leverage ratio of 4.2x [37] - The upcoming Investor Day on February 26 will provide further insights into the company's strategic plans and performance metrics [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the comparable sales evolution and trajectory in 2026, particularly for Tim Hortons and Burger King? - Management indicated that the strong performance in 2025 sets a positive foundation for 2026, with expectations for a similar consumer environment and continued focus on fundamentals [53][54] Question: How much of the international momentum is driven by a healthier backdrop versus share gains? - Management responded that the momentum is a combination of a supportive market backdrop and effective local strategies, with structural growth in many international markets [60][62] Question: Can you summarize the performance in developed markets, particularly Europe? - Management noted that Western European markets showed consistent positive performance, with strong results across major markets like France, Spain, and Germany [71]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2025, the company delivered comparable sales growth of 2.4%, net restaurant growth of 2.9%, and system-wide sales growth of 5.3% [30] - Organic adjusted operating income (AOI) growth was 8.3%, and nominal adjusted EPS growth was 10.7% [30][29] - The company achieved its third consecutive year of approximately 8% organic adjusted operating income growth, demonstrating consistency within the industry [6][48] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Tim Hortons Canada and International delivered 19 consecutive quarters of positive comparable sales, with comparable sales in Canada growing 2.8% in Q4 2025 [7][9] - The International segment saw comparable sales growth of 4.9% for the full year, including 6.1% in Q4, and net restaurant growth of 4.9% [13][14] - Burger King U.S. achieved comparable sales growth of 1.6% for the full year, including 2.6% in Q4, outperforming the burger QSR industry in 9 out of the last 12 quarters [18][23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Canada, Tim Hortons faced macroeconomic uncertainty but still delivered solid performance, with breakfast food sales growing 3.5% [9][10] - The international segment, particularly in markets like France and Australia, experienced strong performance, with double-digit system-wide sales growth [14][16] - Burger King China reported comparable sales growth of 9.2% in Q4, driven by improvements in restaurant fundamentals and growth in delivery [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on long-term growth, with plans to return to a 99% franchise business model and accelerate net restaurant growth to 5%+ [8][41] - The company is refranchising Burger King restaurants ahead of schedule and has established a joint venture with CPE for Burger King China to drive growth [3][29] - The strategy includes a disciplined approach to capital allocation and a focus on operational consistency across all brands [42][46] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that 2025 was a challenging year due to elevated costs and macroeconomic pressures, but the fundamentals of the business are improving [42][43] - The company expects to ramp back towards 5% unit growth by the end of the algorithm period, with a positive outlook for 2026 [31][41] - Management expressed confidence in the ability to build on the momentum from 2025, emphasizing the strength of the franchisee base and operational improvements [29][48] Other Important Information - The company generated nearly $1.6 billion of free cash flow in 2025 and returned $1.1 billion of capital to shareholders through dividends [34] - The company plans to increase its dividend target by roughly 5% to $2.60 per share, marking the 14th consecutive year of dividend growth [34] - Franchisee profitability at Tim Hortons remained resilient at approximately CAD 295,000 despite cost pressures [12][43] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the comparable sales evolution and trajectory in 2026, particularly for Tim Hortons and Burger King? - Management indicated that the positive Q4 sets a good foundation for 2026, with expectations for a similar consumer environment and continued focus on fundamentals [53] Question: How much of the international momentum is driven by a healthier backdrop versus share gains? - Management noted that the momentum is a combination of a supportive structural market and effective local strategies, with strong performance in EMEA and Asia Pacific [60][62] Question: How do you view the strength of the fast food market in Europe compared to the U.S. and Canada? - Management highlighted consistent positive performance across major Western European markets and noted that Canada also showed positive sales growth across all day parts [71]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable sales increased by 4%, net restaurant growth was 2.8%, and system-wide sales grew by 6.9% in Q3 2025 [4] - Organic adjusted operating income growth was 8.8%, with double-digit nominal EPS growth [5][29] - Adjusted EPS rose to $1.03 per share from $0.93 last year, representing a nominal growth of 10.7% [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Tim Hortons Canada, representing roughly 44% of operating profit, saw comparable sales grow by 4.2%, outperforming the broader Canadian QSR industry by approximately three points [7] - The international business, contributing 26% of operating profit, experienced same-store sales growth of 6.5% and net restaurant growth of 5.1% [12] - Burger King U.S. achieved comparable sales growth of 3.2%, outperforming the burger QSR category [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In France, Burger King launched successful products, leading to improved market share and performance [13][88] - Burger King China saw comparable sales grow by 10.5% in Q3, driven by effective marketing and new product launches [15][16] - Popeyes in the U.K. is set to open its 100th restaurant, demonstrating strong traction in the EMEA region [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for at least 8% organic AOI growth in 2025, focusing on disciplined execution and innovation across brands [5][29] - There is a strategic emphasis on refranchising Burger King restaurants to simplify the business model and strengthen franchise operations [32][46] - The company is actively working to find a new local partner for Burger King China, reinforcing its commitment to long-term growth in that market [33][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate a challenging consumer environment while delivering strong results [5][6] - The focus remains on improving guest experiences and operational efficiencies, particularly in the face of elevated beef costs impacting margins [34][66] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a disciplined value strategy amidst competitive pressures [21][70] Other Important Information - The company generated $566 million in free cash flow and returned $282 million to shareholders through dividends [31] - The adjusted effective tax rate for the quarter was 17.8%, with expectations for the full year to be in the 18% to 19% range [31] - The company is on track to refranchise approximately 5,100 restaurants in 2025 [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on Burger King U.S. turnaround trajectory - Management highlighted the importance of modernizing assets, improving operational consistency, and focusing on profitability as key drivers of the turnaround [51][52] Question: Impact of beef costs on cash flow and plans - Management acknowledged that elevated beef costs are a headwind but emphasized that franchisees view these impacts as temporary and plans remain on track [66][68] Question: Satisfaction with the launch of protein lattes in Canada - Management indicated that protein lattes are part of a broader cold beverage strategy, with positive initial results and plans for further innovation [75] Question: Share trends for Tim Hortons in Canada - Management noted that Tim Hortons is consistently outperforming competitors, with same-store sales significantly higher than other large QSRs [79] Question: Performance of the international business - Management reported broad-based improvements in international markets, particularly in France and China, with significant share gains [88][90]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q1 consolidated comparable sales increased by 0.1% or just over 1% excluding Leap Day impact, with net restaurant growth at 3.3% translating to system-wide sales growth of 2.8% and organic adjusted operating income growth of 2.6% [8][28][35] - Adjusted EPS rose to $0.75 per share from $0.73, representing nominal growth of 3.3% and organic growth of 9.9% excluding Restaurant Holdings and foreign exchange impact [37] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Tim Hortons Canada experienced flat comparable sales of 0.1% or approximately 1.2% after adjusting for Leap Day, with operational improvements and marketing initiatives expected to drive future growth [10][11] - International segment delivered 2.6% comparable sales growth or roughly 3.7% excluding Leap Day, with system-wide sales growth of 8.6% driven by strong performance in markets like the UK, Germany, Brazil, Japan, and Australia [14][68] - Burger King U.S. saw a 1.1% decrease in comparable sales, but continued to outperform the broader QSR category due to effective marketing and operational improvements [18][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the UK, Burger King gained market share through delivery growth and value platforms, while Germany saw sales momentum from operational improvements and product innovation [14][15] - Burger King India crossed the 500 restaurant milestone, indicating strong growth potential in the market [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving operational excellence, enhancing guest experience, and modernizing restaurant images, with a target of reaching over 85% modern image by the end of 2028 [20][21] - The strategy includes refranchising Carrols restaurants to more engaged operators and enhancing the operational consistency across brands [45][46] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a complex macro environment but expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate challenges and deliver at least 8% organic adjusted operating income growth in 2025 [9][28] - There is optimism regarding improved sales momentum in April and a strong marketing calendar for the remainder of the year [10][11] Other Important Information - The company expects total reported 2025 net restaurant growth to be slightly down from last year, primarily due to the transition at Burger King China [30] - Free cash flow generated in Q1 was $89 million, impacted by cash tax payments and working capital seasonality [38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of Canadian macro environment on Tim Hortons - Management noted a dip in consumer confidence but observed improvements in Q2, with confidence in Tim Hortons' performance due to ongoing marketing initiatives and product launches [53][56] Question: Trends in international markets and consumer outlook - Management reported positive same-store sales growth in international markets, with strong performance in Germany and the UK, while acknowledging softer performance in China [60][68] Question: Performance of Burger King U.S. and outlook - Management attributed Burger King's relative outperformance to improved operations and ongoing remodels, with plans for further enhancements and promotions in the coming months [73][80] Question: Capital intensity and remodel expectations - Management expects to complete about 400 remodels in 2025, with an acceleration in 2026, aiming for 85% modern image by 2028 [88][90] Question: Cost savings and organizational efficiency - Management is evaluating opportunities for efficiency in operations, particularly in integrating recent acquisitions and optimizing resources [96]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, consolidated comparable sales increased by 0.1% or just over 1% excluding Leap Day, with net restaurant growth at 3.3% [6][7] - System-wide sales growth was reported at 2.8%, while organic adjusted operating income growth was 2.6% [6][32] - Adjusted EPS rose to $0.75 per share from $0.73, reflecting nominal growth of 3.3% and organic growth of 9.9% [34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Tim Hortons Canada experienced flat comparable sales of 0.1% or approximately 1.2% after adjusting for Leap Day [8] - Burger King U.S. saw a 1.1% decrease in comparable sales, but continued to outperform the broader QSR category [17] - Popeyes in the U.S. and Canada reported a 4% decline in comparable sales, following a 5.7% increase in the prior year [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International segment comparable sales grew by 2.6% or roughly 3.7% excluding Leap Day, with system-wide sales growth of 8.6% [12] - Strong growth was noted in key markets such as the UK, Germany, Brazil, Japan, and Australia [12][13] - Burger King India crossed the 500 restaurant milestone, indicating significant growth potential [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deliver at least 8% organic adjusted operating income growth in 2025, focusing on improving the value proposition for guests [7] - A strategic shift towards refranchising Carrols and enhancing operational excellence across brands is underway [40] - The company is actively working to secure a new local partner for Burger King China, with plans for a portfolio cleanup to reposition the business for long-term success [16][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a challenging macro environment but expressed confidence in the underlying strength of the brands and operational plans [6][7] - There is optimism regarding improved sales momentum in April and a stronger start to Q2 [7][32] - The company expects to maintain targets for 3% plus comparable sales and 8% plus organic AOI growth on average through 2028 [27] Other Important Information - The company generated $89 million in free cash flow in Q1, impacted by $77 million in cash tax payments [35] - Capital expenditures are expected to be in the $400 million to $450 million range for 2025 and 2026, up from over $330 million in 2024 [37] - The company is focusing on operational efficiency and has revised segment G&A guidance to $600 million to $620 million for 2025 [39] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of Canadian macro environment on Tim Hortons - Management noted a slight dip in consumer confidence but observed improvements in Q2, with confidence in Tim Hortons' performance due to strong marketing initiatives [47][50] Question: Trends in international markets - Management expressed satisfaction with international performance, highlighting positive same-store sales and strong brand positioning in key markets [52][56] Question: Performance of Burger King U.S. - Management attributed Burger King's relative outperformance to improved operations and ongoing remodels, with plans for continued enhancements throughout the year [65][68]

Core Insights - Restaurant Brands International Inc. (RBI) reported a consolidated system-wide sales growth of 2.8% year-over-year, with international sales growing by 8.6% [1][2] - Global comparable sales were flat at 0.1%, but adjusted for Leap Day, they increased by over 1% [1] - The company is on track to achieve at least 8% organic adjusted operating income growth in 2025 [1] Financial Highlights - Total revenues for the first quarter of 2025 reached $2,109 million, up from $1,739 million in the same period of 2024 [2] - Income from operations decreased by 20% to $435 million compared to $544 million in the previous year [2] - Net income from continuing operations was $223 million, down from $328 million [2] - Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations fell to $0.49 from $0.72 [2] Operational Highlights - System-wide sales for the first quarter of 2025 were $10,496 million, slightly down from $10,512 million in 2024 [2] - Net restaurant growth was 3.3%, with a total system restaurant count of 32,149 at the end of the period [2] - Comparable sales growth was 0.1%, a significant decrease from 4.6% in the previous year [2] Segment Performance - The Tim Hortons segment reported a system-wide sales growth of 0.0% and comparable sales of -0.1% [11] - The Burger King segment experienced a system-wide sales decline of 1.7% and comparable sales decrease of 1.3% [13] - The Popeyes segment saw a system-wide sales decline of 2.4% and comparable sales decrease of 4.0% [20] - The Firehouse Subs segment achieved a system-wide sales growth of 7.3% [21] - The International segment reported a system-wide sales growth of 8.6% [23] Strategic Initiatives - RBI is executing a multi-year "Reclaim the Flame" plan for Burger King, which includes investments of up to $700 million through 2028 [17] - The company completed acquisitions of Carrols Restaurant Group and Popeyes China, establishing a new operating segment called Restaurant Holdings [4][5] - RBI plans to maintain franchisor dynamics across its segments while refranchising the majority of the Carrols Burger King restaurants [6] Guidance and Long-Term Outlook - For 2025, RBI expects segment general and administrative expenses (excluding Restaurant Holdings) to be between $600 million and $620 million [28] - The company anticipates achieving 5%+ net restaurant growth towards the end of its long-term algorithm period from 2024 to 2028 [29] - RBI continues to expect organic adjusted operating income growth of 8%+ and comparable sales growth of 3%+ [36]