McDonald's Franchisee Arcos Dorados Sees Q3 Boost from Latin Flavors
Strong Q3 Performance: Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc. reported third-quarter sales of $1.192 billion, with systemwide comparable sales up 12.7% year-over-year, although it fell short of analyst expectations.
Profitability Boost: The company achieved earnings per share of 71 cents, significantly higher than the previous year's 17 cents, aided by a $125.2 million federal tax credit in Brazil, which is expected to enhance future cash flow.
Digital Growth and Expansion: Digital channel revenue increased by 11.2% year-over-year, making up 61% of total sales, while the company opened 22 new restaurants in the quarter, enhancing customer experience across its locations.
Positive Market Reaction: Following the earnings report, Arcos Dorados shares rose by 4.58% in premarket trading, reflecting investor confidence in the company's growth strategy and operational efficiency.
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- Performance Outlook: Arcos Dorados anticipates that its systemwide comparable sales growth for Q1 2026 will exceed that of Q4 2025, indicating the company's ability to achieve growth despite ongoing macroeconomic pressures in Latin America.
- Currency Strength Support: The strengthening of local currencies in the company's primary markets at the beginning of 2026 compared to early 2025 is expected to further drive total revenue growth in US dollars, demonstrating resilience amid currency fluctuations.
- Earnings Release Schedule: The company will publish its financial results for Q4 2025 and the full year on March 19, 2026, with Q1 2026 results expected in mid-May 2026, prompting investor attention on these figures to assess financial health.
- Market Position Consolidation: As the largest restaurant chain in Latin America and the world's largest independent McDonald's franchisee, Arcos Dorados operates over 2,500 restaurants across 21 countries and territories, employing more than 100,000 people, underscoring its significant influence in the fast-food sector.
- Tender Offer Overview: Arcos Dorados announced a cash offer to purchase up to $150 million of its 6.125% Sustainability-Linked Senior Notes, reflecting the company's proactive approach to debt management aimed at optimizing its capital structure and reducing financing costs.
- Valid Tender Ratio: As of the early tender time on February 12, 2026, approximately $134.796 million of the notes were validly tendered, representing 38.51% of the outstanding notes, indicating a strong market acceptance of this debt instrument, which may enhance the company's future financing capabilities.
- Total Consideration Structure: Holders who validly tendered their notes will receive total consideration, including the early tender payment and accrued interest, expected to be paid on February 17, 2026, which will boost investor confidence and potentially stabilize the company's stock price.
- Tender Expiration Date: The offer is set to expire on March 2, 2026, and any extension by the company could further impact market liquidity and investor decisions, reflecting the company's agility in responding to capital market conditions.
- Performance Revision: Arcos Dorados anticipates higher systemwide comparable sales growth in Q1 2026 compared to Q4 2025, demonstrating the company's resilience and adaptability in the face of macroeconomic pressures.
- Currency Impact Analysis: The company highlights that local currencies in its main markets have appreciated at the start of 2026 compared to early 2025, which will support total revenue growth in US dollars, further boosting investor confidence in future performance.
- Earnings Release Schedule: Arcos Dorados plans to publish its Q4 2025 and full-year results on March 19, 2026, which is expected to provide clearer performance guidance for investors, aiding in the assessment of the company's financial health.
- Market Position Consolidation: As the largest restaurant chain in Latin America and the world's largest independent McDonald's franchisee, Arcos Dorados operates over 2,500 restaurants across 21 countries and territories, continuously driving local economic development and job creation, showcasing its leadership in the industry.
- Tender Offer Overview: Arcos Dorados announced a cash offer to purchase up to $150 million of its 6.125% Sustainability-Linked Senior Notes, reflecting the company's proactive approach to debt management aimed at optimizing its capital structure and reducing financing costs.
- Tender Participation Rate: As of the early tender time, approximately $134.796 million of the notes were validly tendered, representing about 38.51% of the outstanding notes, indicating strong investor interest in the offer, which may enhance the company's future financial flexibility.
- Total Consideration Details: Holders who validly tendered their notes will receive a total consideration of $1,030 per $1,000 principal amount, including the early tender payment, demonstrating the company's appeal to investors and its sensitivity to market conditions.
- Tender Timeline: The offer is set to expire on March 2, 2026, with the company retaining the flexibility to extend the tender period based on market conditions, showcasing its adaptability in a dynamic market environment.
- Investor Conference Participation: Arcos Dorados will participate in the BTG CEO Conference Brasil 2026, held in São Paulo from February 10 to 12, showcasing its leadership in the Latin American market and likely attracting investor interest.
- Restaurant Operation Scale: As of December 31, 2025, Arcos Dorados and its sub-franchisees operate over 2,500 restaurants across 21 countries and territories, employing more than 100,000 people, demonstrating its significant influence in the quick-service restaurant sector.
- Community Development Commitment: The company is dedicated to providing young people with their first formal job opportunities and achieving a positive environmental impact through its Recipe for the Future initiative, further solidifying its image of social responsibility.
- Listing Information: Arcos Dorados is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:ARCO), with investor relations information available on the company’s website, enhancing transparency and investor confidence.
- Debt Refinancing Plan: Arcos Dorados Holdings announced plans to refinance part of its debt through a new bank loan, aimed at repurchasing its 6.125% sustainability-linked senior notes due 2029, which is expected to reduce the average U.S. dollar cost of long-term debt by approximately 55 basis points.
- Loan Details: The company's Brazilian subsidiary borrowed $150 million in December 2025, with the new bank debt due in 2029 having an estimated U.S. dollar cost of 2.53%, achieved through derivative instruments to manage interest rates and currency exposure, ensuring manageable financing costs.
- Impact of Repurchase Plan: If the tender offer is fully accepted, Arcos Dorados will optimize its capital structure without materially affecting debt maturity, currency exposure, or net leverage, thereby enhancing financial flexibility.
- Market Reaction: Following the announcement, Arcos Dorados' stock rose by 0.49% to close at $8.18, indicating a positive market response to its debt management strategy, which may bolster investor confidence.







