Burger King-parent beats sales estimates on int’l demand

NEW YORK, Feb 15 (Reuters): Restaurant Brands, reported fourth-quarter sales above estimates on the back of strong performance at Burger King International, but high costs and muted spending in the US took shares down nearly 6 per cent on Thursday.

Fast-food chains are offering certain items at lower prices to attract consumers who were turning away from dining out due to high menu prices over the last two years.

Industry leader McDonald's topped quarterly global comparable sales estimates as it also ramped up marketing to drive demand.

"2025 was a demanding year for restaurant operators. The consumer was under pressure, costs were elevated, and macro and geopolitical uncertainty weighed on confidence across many of our markets," said Restaurant Brands' executive chairman Patrick Doyle.

Expectations are for a similar consumer environment in 2026, executives said on a post-earnings call.

Same-store sales at Burger King US rose 2.6 per cent for the quarter, but missed estimates of a 3.5 per cent rise, according to data compiled by LSEG.