Americana Restaurants International PLC plans to add between 120 and 130 net new restaurants to its portfolio by the end of 2026 as it proceeds with brand expansion, acquisitions and partnerships across its markets.
The company operated 2,746 restaurants at June 30, 2026, up 4.1 per cent from 2,638 a year earlier.
Americana Restaurants, which operates more restaurants than any other restaurant operator in the Middle East, North Africa and Kazakhstan, reported revenue of $1.36 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2026. Revenue increased by 12.1 per cent from $1.22 billion in the same period last year, while EBITDA rose by 26.7 per cent and net profit attributable to shareholders increased by 59.2 per cent.
Store expansion supported by acquisition and ADNOC partnership
Americana Restaurants acquired Malak Al Tawouk in Saudi Arabia on July 9, 2026.
The company said integration and expansion plans for the brand in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other markets were progressing. The acquisition adds to its presence in the Arabic food category and provides a base for expansion.
Americana Restaurants has also entered a partnership with ADNOC Distribution that gives it preferential access to 200 high-traffic restaurant locations over the next five years.
The launch of carpo in Qatar marked the company’s entry into the premium retail category.
Revenue rises on like-for-like sales and restaurant openings
Revenue across Americana Restaurants’ main markets recorded double-digit growth during the first half. The 12.1 per cent increase in group revenue was supported by like-for-like sales growth of 6.3 per cent and the expansion of the restaurant network.
The company introduced offers designed for consumer preferences in each market and combined premium menu products with value offers. It said the products “resonated with regional consumer tastes.”
Campaigns, partnerships with content creators and localised content were used to support customer engagement and brand relevance. The company said its operations and supply chain maintained service and product availability during the period.
EBITDA and net profit margins increase
Gross profit margin increased by about 270 basis points year-on-year.
Americana Restaurants said input costs rose because of the geopolitical situation. The increase was offset by procurement measures, sales from premium menu products and the leverage of high sales growth.
EBITDA reached $348.2 million, compared with $274.9 million in the first half of 2025. The EBITDA margin rose by 290 basis points to 25.5 per cent, from 22.6 per cent.
Net profit attributable to shareholders increased to $147.2 million from $92.5 million. Net profit margin rose by 320 basis points to 10.8 per cent.
The company attributed the margin movement to operating leverage from sales growth, control of restaurant and corporate overhead costs, and improved unit economics of its home-delivery channel.
Earnings per share increased by 59.2 per cent to $0.0175 from $0.0110. Free cash flow increased by 44.5 per cent to $160 million from $110.8 million a year earlier. Cash conversion stood at 70 per cent. The company linked the result to profitability and working-capital optimisation.
Board approves $100.8 million interim dividend
The board approved an interim cash dividend of $100.8 million for the period ended June 30, 2026. The payment is equivalent to $0.012 per share.
Americana Restaurants said the distribution was in line with its capital allocation framework and its commitment to shareholder value. Management said Americana Restaurants entered the second half of 2026 with “positive business momentum” and a “strong financial position”.
Based on trading conditions, the company expects “mid-single-digit like-for-like sales growth” for the full year. Operating leverage, procurement efficiencies and cost controls are expected to support margins. The company projects that its full-year net profit margin will increase by between 100 and 150 basis points from the previous year.
Management said its priorities were like-for-like sales growth, margins and the addition of “120-130 net new stores” by the end of 2026.
Americana Restaurants International PLC is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange under the symbol AMR and on the Saudi Stock Exchange under the symbol 6015. Its ISIN is AEE01135A222.
H1 2026 financial overview
| Metric | H1 2026 | H1 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $1,364.5 million | $1,217.0 million | 12.1% |
| EBITDA | $348.2 million | $274.9 million | 26.7% |
| EBITDA margin | 25.5% | 22.6% | 2.9 percentage points |
| Net profit attributable to shareholders | $147.2 million | $92.5 million | 59.2% |
| Free cash flow | $160.0 million | $110.8 million | 44.5% |
| Earnings per share | $0.0175 | $0.0110 | 59.2% |
| Restaurant count | 2,746 | 2,638 | 4.1% |
