Jollibee Foods Corporation (PSE: JFC) has reported its highest quarterly net income on record for the second quarter of 2026, marking a strong recovery from earlier cost pressures and underscoring the resilience of its global brand portfolio. The company also announced ambitious expansion plans for Canada, where it aims to nearly double its presence within five years.

In a disclosure on Tuesday, the Jollibee Group posted a 5.7% year-on-year increase in net income attributable to equity holders of the parent company, reaching Php3.4 billion (approximately US$55 million) for the quarter ended June 30. The record performance was supported by 14.2% growth in system-wide sales, driven by sustained demand across both its Philippine and international operations. The milestone also reflects how far the company has come from the pandemic-era disruptions that hit global restaurant operators, after which Jollibee Group has continued to prioritize both margin repair and network expansion.

The company credited the earnings improvement to better operating leverage and margin recovery following first-quarter cost pressures. Gross profit margin rose sequentially to 18.5% in Q2 from 16.5% in Q1, strengthening further from 17.3% in April to 19.0% in June. Operating income margin climbed to 7.2% from 5.2%, while net income margin nearly doubled to 4.0%.

“Our second-quarter results demonstrate the continued strength of the Jollibee Group’s global brand portfolio and the resilience of consumer demand across our key markets,” said Ernesto Tanmantiong, Global Chief Executive Officer. “We delivered healthy system-wide sales growth across all regions, supported by strong contributions from both our Philippine and international businesses, continued same-store sales growth, and ongoing expansion of our global store network.”

North America stood out as a key growth driver, with Jollibee’s system-wide sales up 21.6% and same-store sales rising 8.6%. Subsidiary Smashburger also posted 7.0% same-store sales growth. This momentum is set to accelerate in Canada, where the company plans to add 26 new locations—16 in British Columbia and 10 in Edmonton—to its existing 28 restaurants. Once completed, the additions would nearly double Jollibee’s Canadian footprint, reinforcing the brand’s standing in a market the company considers crucial to its international expansion. Canada is home to one of the largest Filipino diaspora communities in the world, a customer base that has historically fueled demand for Jollibee’s flagship offerings such as Chickenjoy and its fried chicken-and-spaghetti combinations, while the brand has increasingly drawn broader mainstream audiences in North America.

Globally, Jollibee’s store network grew 6.4% year-on-year to 10,767 stores across 33 countries, with franchised stores accounting for roughly 70% of gross new openings. This reflects the company’s strategy of pursuing capital-light growth and optimizing its portfolio, an approach common among multinational restaurant operators seeking to expand faster while limiting capital outlay. Transition-related costs of Php239.0 million (US$3.9 million) were incurred during the quarter in connection with the ongoing turnaround of Yonghe King and Smashburger toward predominantly franchised models.

Richard Shin, Chief Financial and Risk Officer, highlighted the sequential recovery: “Pricing actions implemented beginning in April, together with productivity, sourcing, and cost discipline initiatives, contributed to the recovery in gross profit margins and supported stronger operating income and NIAT margins.” He added that the company enters the second half with stronger momentum and confidence in its long-term growth prospects.

For the full year, Jollibee Group maintained its guidance for system-wide sales growth of 8%-12% and store network growth of 5%-10%, while revising its same-store sales growth projection to 3%-4% and capital expenditures to Php13.0-15.0 billion. The company also reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable growth, having recently been named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies and recognized for its sustainability reporting.

With record earnings, robust international performance, and strategic expansion in Canada, the Jollibee Group continues to solidify its position as a global restaurant leader, delivering value to stakeholders and spreading joy through its diverse brand portfolio. Investors and industry watchers will be following the company’s second-half results to see whether the margin recovery holds and whether the Canadian build-out proceeds at the planned pace.