Americana Restaurants International PLC reported a 60.4 per cent year-on-year increase in net profit to $217.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2026, compared with $135.4 million during the same period last year, as revenue rose 12.9 per cent to $2.08 billion.
The restaurant operator, which operates across 12 countries in the Middle East, North Africa and Kazakhstan, said revenue increased to $2,076.9 million from $1,839.7 million a year earlier, supported by 7 per cent like-for-like sales growth and restaurant network expansion.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose 26 per cent to $522.1 million from $414.2 million, while the EBITDA margin increased by 262 basis points to 25.1 per cent from 22.5 per cent.
The company’s net profit margin expanded by 310 basis points to 10.5 per cent, prompting management to raise its full-year 2026 net profit margin expansion guidance to 150–175 basis points, from its previous forecast of 100–150 basis points.
Americana Restaurants Q3 revenue grows 14.4 per cent to $712.3 million
Americana Restaurants reported a 14.4 per cent increase in third-quarter revenue to $712.3 million, compared with $622.7 million in the corresponding quarter of 2025.
Like-for-like sales grew 8.6 per cent during the quarter, compared with 7 per cent for the nine-month period.
The company attributed its sales performance to menu innovation, value propositions, marketing campaigns, content tailored to its markets and partnerships with content creators.
It said its operations and supply chain network helped maintain service and product availability across its markets.
Third-quarter EBITDA rose 24.8 per cent to $173.9 million from $139.3 million, with the EBITDA margin reaching 24.4 per cent, compared with 22.4 per cent a year earlier.
Net profit for the quarter increased 63 per cent to $70 million from $42.9 million, while the net profit margin rose by 293 basis points to 9.8 per cent.
Americana Restaurants reports margin growth despite cost pressures
The company’s gross profit margin for the nine-month period increased by 218 basis points to 55.9 per cent, while its third-quarter gross profit margin expanded by 111 basis points to 55.4 per cent.
Americana Restaurants said procurement initiatives, cost controls and operating leverage helped offset input cost increases linked to the geopolitical situation.
The company also faced utility cost increases during the third quarter, partly driven by summer demand.
Despite these pressures, its nine-month EBITDA margin increased by 262 basis points to 25.1 per cent, while its third-quarter EBITDA margin expanded by 204 basis points to 24.4 per cent.
Net profit growth outpaced revenue growth during both periods, reflecting the impact of cost management and operating leverage on earnings.
Free cash flow rises 75.6 per cent to $225.4 million
Americana Restaurants reported a 75.6 per cent year-on-year increase in free cash flow to $225.4 million during the first nine months of 2026, compared with $128.3 million in the corresponding period of 2025.
Third-quarter free cash flow increased 67.1 per cent to $68.2 million from $40.8 million.
Cash conversion for the nine-month period stood at 67 per cent, which the company attributed to profitability and working capital optimisation.
Americana defines cash conversion as free cash flow divided by EBITDA less lease payments.
Earnings per share for the nine months rose 60.9 per cent to $0.0259 from $0.0161, while third-quarter earnings per share increased 62.7 per cent to $0.0083 from $0.0051.
Americana Restaurants expands network to 2,769 outlets
The company added 112 net restaurants over the 12 months ended 30 September 2026, taking its restaurant network to 2,769 outlets from 2,657 a year earlier, an increase of 4.2 per cent.
Americana Restaurants said it intends to continue expanding its network and expects to add 120–130 net stores during the full year 2026.
The expansion forms part of its strategy to increase its presence across markets while maintaining profitability through procurement efficiencies and cost controls.
Americana Restaurants signs Taco Bell development agreement
In August 2026, Americana Restaurants signed an exclusive development agreement with Taco Bell to introduce the brand in the UAE, with plans for expansion into other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets in phases.
The agreement marks the company’s entry into the Mexican-inspired quick-service restaurant segment and adds another category to its brand portfolio.
The company said the partnership would help diversify its offerings and cater to consumer preferences across the region.
Americana Restaurants operates a portfolio that includes KFC, Pizza Hut, Hardee’s, Krispy Kreme, Peet’s Coffee, Wimpy, TGI Fridays, Costa Coffee, Baskin-Robbins, Chicken Tikka, Malak Al Tawouk and Carpo.
It also operates a proprietary SuperApp, which enables customers to order meals from brands within its portfolio.
Americana Restaurants raises 2026 net profit margin guidance
Following its nine-month financial performance, Americana Restaurants raised its full-year net profit margin expansion forecast to 150–175 basis points from its previous guidance of 100–150 basis points.
Management said it expects mid-single-digit like-for-like sales growth for the full year, based on trading conditions. The company expects operating leverage, procurement efficiencies and cost discipline to support margins during the remaining months of 2026.
It also reiterated its target of adding 120–130 net stores to its portfolio by year-end. The company said its priorities include maintaining sales growth, managing costs and expanding its restaurant network across its operating markets.
