Restaurant Brands International (NYSE:QSR) reported third-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings above analysts’ expectations on Thursday, although revenue fell slightly short of forecasts. The company also reaffirmed its full-year operating income growth guidance.
Adjusted earnings per share reached $1.10, compared with the consensus estimate of $1.08. Revenue increased 3.1% year over year to $2.52 billion from $2.45 billion, below analysts’ expectations of $2.54 billion.
Shares of the restaurant operator edged 0.51% higher in after-hours trading following the announcement.
Burger King US Records 8.4% Comparable Sales Growth
Restaurant Brands reported global comparable sales growth of 3.8%, led by an 8.4% increase at Burger King in the United States.
The International segment recorded comparable sales growth of 3.9%, while Tim Hortons and Firehouse Subs each reported increases of 1.5%. Popeyes recorded a 1.8% decline.
Consolidated system-wide sales increased 6.2% on a constant-currency basis, including 9.0% growth in international markets.
Chief Executive Officer Josh Kobza said:
“Those strengths are on display again this quarter, with over 3% global comparable sales led by outperformance at Burger King and steady growth at International and Tim Hortons.”
The company’s global restaurant network expanded 3.0% year over year to 33,401 locations. Firehouse Subs reported net restaurant growth of 7.8%.
Adjusted Operating Income Rises to $737 Million
Restaurant Brands reported adjusted operating income of $737 million, up 5.0% from $702 million in the corresponding quarter last year.
Excluding foreign exchange effects and the Restaurant Holdings segment, organic adjusted operating income increased 6.7%.
The company returned $1.3 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases during the first nine months of 2026.
It also declared a fourth-quarter dividend of $0.65 per share, scheduled for payment on January 5, 2027.
Restaurant Brands Maintains 2026 Financial Outlook
Restaurant Brands reaffirmed its forecast for 8% organic adjusted operating income growth for the full year 2026.
The company also maintained its longer-term targets for the 2024–2028 period, including average comparable sales growth of more than 3% and average organic adjusted operating income growth of more than 8%.
The results reflected higher revenue and adjusted operating income, with comparable sales growth varying across the company’s restaurant brands.