Companywide Top-Line and Profitability Growth
Comparable sales +3.2% (Q1), system-wide sales +6.2%, net restaurant growth 2.6%; organic adjusted operating income (AOI) +10.7%; adjusted EPS increased 14.6% to $0.86 from $0.75.
Strong Cash Generation and Capital Return
Generated nearly $200 million of free cash flow in Q1; returned approximately $315 million to shareholders in Q1 via dividends and repurchases; resumed buybacks in March and repurchased $60 million through April 30 with a 2026 repurchase target of ~$500 million.
Burger King U.S. Momentum
U.S. same-store sales +5.8%, outperforming the burger QSR industry by over 5 points; product and marketing initiatives (Elevated Whopper, Whopper Wednesday, $3.99 King Junior Meals) drove strong trial and higher Whopper AUVs (highest in >3 years); franchisees voted 97% to maintain elevated ad fund contribution.
International Outperformance and BK China JV
International comparable sales +5.7%, net restaurant growth +4.5% and system-wide sales growth ~11.1%; closed Burger King China joint venture with CPE (CPE injected $350 million) and BK China posted double-digit comps and margin improvement in Q1.
Tim Hortons Daypart and Beverage Strength
Tim Hortons Canada comparable sales +1.5% despite soft macro and weather; beverage sales +2% YoY with cold beverages +10% and espresso/tea +8%; digital sales ~40%; achieved #1 ranking in Brand Health's best breakfast and improved guest satisfaction +2 points YoY.
Firehouse Subs Development Momentum
Net restaurant growth +8.1% with flat comparable sales, producing system-wide sales growth of +7.2%; reported solid pipeline and average franchise paybacks of <4 years, supporting accelerated unit growth plans for 2026.
Progress Toward Strategic Targets
Resumed share repurchases, reiterated long-term algorithm (~3% same-store sales, ~8% organic AOI growth), target to reach ~1,800 net new restaurants per year by 2028 and to achieve corporate investment-grade leverage by 2028; ended Q1 with total liquidity of ~$2.3 billion (including ~$1.0 billion cash).
Operational Improvements Across Brands
Noted improvements in restaurant standards, operations and guest experience particularly at Burger King (higher repeat rates, better service) and early operational gains at Popeyes from increased field support and training; average Google rating for Tim Hortons ~4 stars.