Key highlights:

• Sphera Group estimates sales of RON 1.69 billion (+7.6% vs. 2025)
• Growth is driven by accelerated expansion through the opening of 21 new units in 2026 and the positive performance of existing restaurants
• Estimated EBITDA of RON 160 million
• Investments of up to RON 130 million
• The budget will be subject to GMS approval on April 29^th, 2026

Sphera Franchise Group (stock symbol SFG), the largest food service group in Romania, estimates a positive evolution of its main financial indicators in 2026, supported by network expansion and the performance of existing restaurants.

The company targets restaurant sales of over RON 1.69 billion, marking a 7.6% increase compared to the previous year. This growth is supported both by higher sales in comparable restaurants and by the contribution of new units. At the same time, the Group anticipates improved profitability, with an estimated EBITDA (excluding IFRS 16 impact) of RON 160 million (+8.2%) and a net profit of RON 72.7 million, up by 1.1%.

“We have built the 2026 budget prudently, anchored in current economic realities and considering this year’s outlook, marked by uncertainties generated by the geopolitical context, inflationary pressures, and rising costs for energy, raw materials, and fuel. At the same time, we remain confident in our growth potential, we are accelerating investments compared to last year and we are maintaining our ambitions to expand the network and further develop recently acquired brands”, said Călin Ionescu, CEO, Sphera Franchise Group.

Cost management remains a priority. Expenses related to food and materials are expected to increase in line with sales, while maintaining a stable share of 31.2% of total revenue, reflecting the Group’s discipline in a context where procurement costs remain high. Personnel expenses will be adjusted in line with sales evolution, following their dynamics throughout the year. Overall, restaurant operating expenses are expected to remain stable as a share of sales.

In 2026, Sphera will accelerate investments and allocate approximately RON 130 million for development. Expansion plans include the opening of 21 new restaurants: 11 in Romania (8 KFC, 2 Taco Bell, and 1 Hard Rock Cafe), 2 in the Republic of Moldova (KFC and Taco Bell), and 8 in Italy (3 KFC and 5 Cioccolatitaliani). At the same time, the Group will continue investing in the remodeling of existing restaurants and in digitalization, through the implementation of self-ordering kiosk solutions.

The 2026 budget has been approved by the Board of Directors and will be submitted for approval at the General Meeting of Shareholders on 29^th of April 2026. The budget is based on a scenario of normal business operations and includes an estimated average inflation rate of approximately 6% for next year.