HANGZHOU, China — In a bustling Burger King location in eastern China, delivery personnel were busy collecting orders as the fast-food giant continues to expand its international reach. Restaurant Brands International, the parent company of Burger King, reported strong quarterly earnings that exceeded analysts’ expectations, driven largely by impressive performance in international markets.

For the quarter ending December 31, the company announced earnings of 96 cents per share, slightly above the 95 cents that analysts had predicted. Revenue for the period reached $2.47 billion, surpassing the projected $2.41 billion. Although net income attributable to shareholders fell to $113 million from $259 million a year earlier, adjusted earnings remained robust, demonstrating the company’s ability to navigate challenges.

Restaurant Brands’ net sales increased by 7.4%, and when accounting for currency fluctuations and refranchising, organic revenue rose by 6.5%. The company also reported a 3.1% increase in same-store sales, bolstered by significant growth outside the U.S. and Canada, where same-store sales grew by 6.1%.

Internationally, Burger King restaurants led the charge, posting a 5.8% increase in same-store sales. This performance outstripped analysts’ expectations of a 3.7% growth. Such figures reflect a broader trend of expanding popularity and consumer interest in the brand’s offerings beyond North America.

Looking forward, Restaurant Brands is committed to expanding its presence in Asia. In a strategic move to enhance operations in China, the company recently formed a joint venture for Burger King China. Under this agreement, CPE, a Chinese investment firm, holds approximately 83% ownership, while Restaurant Brands retains a minority stake of about 17% and a board seat to influence future direction.

In addition to Burger King’s success, Tim Hortons, a prominent Canadian coffee chain under the same corporate umbrella, reported a 2.9% increase in same-store sales, although this was lower than the anticipated 3.8% rise. Tim Hortons generated nearly half of the company’s overall revenue during the quarter.

Meanwhile, Burger King’s same-store sales growth of 2.7% surpassed the 2.4% that analysts had predicted. However, Popeyes faced difficulties, with same-store sales declining by 4.8%—a sharper drop than the anticipated 2.4% decrease, prompting Restaurant Brands to implement a turnaround strategy for the chicken chain.

To bolster its efforts, the company has appointed experienced leaders to guide its U.S. and Canadian operations. Peter Perdue, a veteran from Burger King, is set to lead these efforts, and Matt Rubin, who has considerable experience with Popeyes, has been brought on board as the new chief marketing officer.

Restaurant Brands plans to elaborate further on its growth strategies during an upcoming investor day scheduled for February 26 in Miami, aiming to share insights on future opportunities to enhance its portfolio and penetrate markets more deeply.