Burger King parent sees solid quarterly sales gains
OAKVILLE, Ontario -Restaurant Brands International (QSR) says a key sales figure for Burger King rose in regions around the world during the first quarter.
The fast-food chain operator said sales rose 4.6 percent at established Burger King locations, with all regions delivering positive results. In the U.S. and Canada, the figure rose 4.4 percent, which the company said was boosted by the introduction of hot dogs.
Sales at established locations (those open a year or more) are a key indicator of health because they strip out the volatility of store openings and closings.
The Oakville, Ontario, company also said global sales rose 5.6 percent at established Tim Hortons locations.
For the quarter ended March 31, Restaurant Brands earned $50 million, or 21 cents per share. It said earnings excluding one-time items were 30 cents per share. Analysts expected 21 cents per share, according to Zacks Investment Research.
Total revenue was $918.5 million in the period. Analysts expected $926.4 million, according to FactSet.
Restaurant Brands shares have risen 14 percent since the beginning of the year. The stock has increased 4.5 percent in the last 12 months. In Thursday morning premarket trading, the shares were about 0.2 percent higher, or 10 cents, to $42.50.