Restaurant Brands Beats Forecasts With Strong Global Growth

Restaurant Brands International released its fourth‑quarter results for the year ending December 31, showing earnings and revenue that surpassed analyst expectations. The company earned adjusted profit of 96 cents per share, a touch higher than the 95 cents forecasted by LSEG’s analyst survey. Total revenue climbed to $2. 47 billion, exceeding the $2. 41 billion predicted. Net income attributable to shareholders dropped from last year’s $259 million (79 cents per share) to $113 million (34 cents per share), reflecting a shift in the company’s earnings mix. After removing one‑time costs and restructuring charges, adjusted earnings still rose to 96 cents per share. Sales growth was led by international markets. Net sales increased 7. 4% to $2. 47 billion, and organic revenue—excluding currency swings and future franchising deals—rose 6. 5%. Same‑store sales grew 3. 1% overall, with a notable 6. 1% increase outside the U. S. and Canada. Burger King restaurants abroad posted a 5. 8% rise, outpacing the 3. 7% growth analysts had expected.The firm is pushing further overseas expansion. In November, it formed a joint venture for Burger King China with Chinese asset manager CPE, which now holds about 83% ownership; Restaurant Brands keeps a 17% stake and a board seat. This partnership aims to accelerate growth in the fast‑food giant’s biggest market. Domestically, Tim Hortons recorded a 2. 9% rise in same‑store sales, slightly below the 3. 8% forecast, while Burger King’s overall growth reached 2. 7%, beating the 2. 4% estimate. Popeyes, however, slipped 4. 8% in same‑store sales, a steeper decline than the predicted 2. 4%. To turn around the chicken chain, Restaurant Brands hired former Burger King executive Peter Perdue to lead U. S. and Canadian operations and appointed Matt Rubin as chief marketing officer. The company plans to reveal more growth strategies at its investor day in Miami on February 26, promising fresh ideas for boosting performance across its brands.