Wingstop Stock Earnings Reports

Key points for investors: Wingstop delivered strong unit growth (369 net openings YTD; 19% unit growth) and system-wide sales expansion (system sales up ~13%; trailing 12-month system sales > $5 billion). Management rolled out the Wingstop Smart Kitchen to over 2,000 restaurants; early results show dramatic speed-of-service improvements (many restaurants achieving ~10-minute service) and mid-single-digit comp outperformance in the most mature Smart Kitchen regions. Q3 same-store sales declined 5.6% and management updated full‑year domestic same-store sales guidance to a -3% to -4% range, citing broader industry softness and exposure to consumers under the most pressure; they expect a return to positive comps in 2026 as Smart Kitchen, a new national ad campaign (“Wingstop Is Here”) and the Club Wingstop loyalty program (national launch targeted by end of Q2 2026) come together. Financial and capital return highlights: Q3 adjusted EBITDA rose ~19% (highest single quarter on record), domestic AUVs are ~$2.1M with >70% unlevered cash-on-cash returns, the Board declared a $0.30 quarterly dividend, and the company continues share repurchases (~$151M capacity remaining). Management increased 2025 global net new restaurant guidance to 475–485 and expects mid‑teens unit growth in 2026, driven by a record development pipeline and accelerating international expansion (including a landmark India agreement). Principal risks: near-term demand choppiness, exposure to lower‑income/Hispanic cohorts, and timing uncertainty on when comps normalize.