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]

Company Insights - Amazon announced layoffs of 14,000 employees, which, while significant, represent a small fraction of its total workforce of approximately 1.6 million [4][5] - The layoffs at Amazon have raised concerns about potential ripple effects across the white-collar job market, with fears that similar layoffs could occur at other companies [5][6] - The current job market is experiencing a "Great Freeze," where companies are hesitant to hire or fire, which could lead to cracks in the job market if layoffs continue without replacements [7] Industry Trends - The tech industry is seeing increased scrutiny regarding job losses attributed to artificial intelligence, with some experts suggesting that overhiring during the pandemic may be a more significant factor [8][9] - Nvidia reached a milestone as the first company to achieve a $5 trillion market capitalization, driven by substantial investments in data centers [15] - Major tech companies, including Google, Meta, and Microsoft, are ramping up spending on AI infrastructure, indicating a strong commitment to AI despite concerns about a potential bubble [17] Market Overview - Amazon's stock performance has lagged behind its peers, with a 43% increase over the past five years compared to Nvidia's 1,521% gain [13] - The Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the second time this year, which may provide relief to borrowers, although future cuts remain uncertain [14] - November is historically a strong month for the stock market, with positive expectations for this year as well [14]

Core Insights - Starbucks has reported a 1% increase in global comparable sales for the fourth quarter, marking the first rise in seven quarters [1] - The introduction of protein-heavy drinks, including protein cold foam and protein lattes, has contributed to this turnaround [2] Sales Performance - The US comparable sales remained flat, indicating a mixed performance in the domestic market [1] - The global increase in comparable sales suggests a positive trend for the brand overall [1] Product Innovation - New protein-infused beverages are attracting more customers, particularly those in the rewards program, leading to increased visit frequency [3] - Customers can now add protein to 90% of Starbucks beverages, with early results showing positive reception [2][3] - Customization options for protein drinks, such as flavoring, have been well-received, with pumpkin-flavored cold foam being a popular choice [3][4] Leadership and Strategy - CEO Brian Niccol emphasizes that the protein beverages are just the beginning of a broader health and wellness focus for Starbucks [4] - Under Niccol's leadership, Starbucks has implemented various changes, including increased barista hours and corporate layoffs, to improve operations [9] - Niccol expresses cautious optimism about the company's progress, stating that the recent sales gain indicates a potential turning point in the turnaround strategy [10]

Core Insights - Starbucks is implementing AI technology to enhance inventory management across its coffeehouses, aiming to improve product availability and operational efficiency [1][2][4]. Group 1: AI Implementation - The company has introduced "AI-powered automated counting" to assess inventory in thousands of North American locations, replacing manual inventory counting [2][5]. - The technology, developed with NomadGo, utilizes computer vision, 3D spatial intelligence, and augmented reality, achieving 99% accuracy in inventory counting [4]. Group 2: Operational Efficiency - With the new system, inventory is counted eight times more frequently, which helps speed up deliveries and reduce stock-outs [5]. - Employees, referred to as partners, can spend less time on inventory tasks and more time engaging with customers [3][5]. Group 3: Product Strategy - Starbucks is focusing on healthier product offerings, including protein lattes and cold foam, while also maintaining popular high-calorie items like the pumpkin spice latte [7][8]. - The company aims to create a redesigned coffee shop experience that is cost-effective and appealing to health-conscious consumers [7].

Product Innovation - Starbucks is launching protein cold foam, protein lattes, and protein-boosted milks in the US and Canada on September 29th [1] - The new protein drinks will deliver 15 to 36 grams of protein per grande drink and will be available in sugar-free and unsweetened options [2] Company Performance - Starbucks experienced its best-ever sales week across US company-operated stores [2] - The sales boost is attributed to the fall menu launch and the green apron service platform [3] Leadership - CEO Brian Nickel is approaching his one-year mark at Starbucks [2] Industry Focus - The Wall Street community is closely monitoring Starbucks' protein drink launch [3]

Core Insights - Starbucks is launching protein-packed cold foam and lattes starting September 29 to cater to the growing consumer demand for high-protein options [1][2] Group 1: Consumer Trends - A significant shift in consumer preferences is noted, with approximately one-third of U.S. consumers expressing a love for high-protein foods in Q2 2025, an increase from 24% three years prior [2] - The trend includes diverse demographics, from fitness enthusiasts to users of GLP-1 drugs, all aiming to enhance muscle mass and satiety [2] Group 2: Product Details - The new protein cold foam will provide 19 to 26 grams of protein when added to grande beverages, while the grande-sized protein latte will offer 27 to 36 grams of protein [3] - The protein cold foam will be available in various flavors, including banana, vanilla, matcha, chocolate, brown sugar, salted caramel, and seasonal options like pumpkin [4] - Protein lattes will be made with a daily blend of 2% milk and unflavored protein powder, with plans for customization in other drinks [6] Group 3: Market Positioning - The introduction of protein cold foam aligns with Starbucks' strategy to modernize its menu with innovative products that resonate with customer preferences [3] - The announcement follows a record sales week for Starbucks' U.S. locations, driven by the return of seasonal beverages like pumpkin spice lattes, indicating a positive trend in the company's turnaround efforts under CEO Brian Niccol [7][5]