Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q4 2025 reached $1.3 billion, representing a growth of 10.7% year-over-year, supported by a 16% increase in system-wide comparable sales [4][5] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 totaled $172.7 million, up 17.2% year-over-year, with an 80 basis points expansion in the adjusted EBITDA margin [4][5] - Full year adjusted EBITDA was the highest in the company's history, boosted by net tax benefits recognized [5][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Brazil, modest sequential improvement in comparable sales growth was noted, despite a challenging consumption environment throughout the year [8][9] - SLAD's comparable sales increased by 49.5% year-over-year, driven by strong execution in Argentina and other markets [10] - NOLAD experienced a 1.7% growth in comparable sales, with Mexico being the main contributor at 5.6% [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital channel penetration reached 62% of total sales, with digital sales growing 18.7% year-over-year [7][8] - The loyalty program had 27.2 million registered members at year-end, covering over 90% of all restaurants in the footprint [8] - The Brazilian real's relative strength contributed to U.S. dollar revenue growth during the quarter [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on optimizing current business performance, maximizing returns on capital investments, and preparing for future business trends [3][4] - Continued investment in high-return restaurant development and digital capabilities is emphasized [4][5] - The company plans to open 105-115 new restaurants in 2026, with total capital expenditures between $275 million and $325 million [18][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the business momentum entering 2026, anticipating a more normalized consumer environment [20][21] - The company aims to monetize its significant market share advantage built over the years [21] - Management expects underlying profitability trends from Q4 to continue into 2026, with potential for higher gross margins [19][20] Other Important Information - The company opened 102 restaurants in 2025, modernizing 73% of its portfolio by year-end [5][6] - A cash dividend of $0.28 per share was declared for 2026, up from $0.24 the previous year [19] - The company implemented a G&A restructuring that reduced the ongoing cost base by over $10 million annually [45] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you explain the higher taxes paid during the quarter? - The effective tax rate for 2025 was 37.7%, an improvement of almost 5 percentage points versus 2024, with no structural changes expected [25][26] Question: What are the drivers of margin expansion in Brazil and SLAD? - Brazil saw a small improvement in gross margin, with payroll expenses improving due to productivity gains [27][30] Question: Given the recent depreciation of LatAm currencies, how does this affect your outlook? - The Brazilian real and Mexican peso have appreciated, positively impacting results [31][32] Question: Can you provide more color on the headcount reduction? - The G&A restructuring aimed to improve efficiency, resulting in a reduction of over $10 million in annual costs [43][45] Question: Why was CapEx for 2025 below initial guidance despite higher openings? - The company focused on optimizing capital spending while maintaining the planned number of openings, resulting in lower per unit costs [47][48] Question: Are there signs of same-store sales recovery in Brazil and NOLAD? - Management expects comparable sales growth to align with inflation levels as the year progresses, with positive trends noted in early 2026 [51][52]