We recently published an article titled 10 High Growth Food Stocks To Buy.  On January 20, Morgan Stanley lowered the firm’s price target on Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ:WING) to $345 from $363 while maintaining an Overweight rating on the shares, as part of its 2026 outlook note covering restaurants and foodservice distributors. The firm continues to view Wingstop favorably despite the lower target, citing the company’s strong long-term growth profile within the quick-service restaurant space. During Wingstop ...

Company Overview - Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ:WING) is a fast food restaurant chain specializing in wings, operating over 2,000 locations globally, primarily in the United States [2][3]. Stock Performance - Wingstop's shares have decreased by 7.2% over the past year but have increased by 5.7% year-to-date [2]. - Stifel has reduced its share price target for Wingstop from $300 to $290 while maintaining a Buy rating, citing industry headwinds [2]. - Barclays has raised its price target from $295 to $335 and maintained an Overweight rating, suggesting that quick-service restaurants may benefit from current industry challenges [2]. - Mizuho also lowered its price target from $320 to $310 while keeping an Overweight rating [2]. Financial Performance - Wingstop reported strong fiscal second-quarter results, exceeding expectations despite tough comparisons from previous years [3]. - Sales momentum was driven by new menu offerings, increased marketing, and growth in digital ordering, enhancing brand awareness and profitability [3]. - However, shares declined later in the quarter due to reports of softer sales trends amid a slowdown in the restaurant industry, influenced by consumer price aversion and a shift towards food-at-home [3]. Future Outlook - Despite the near-term slowdown in the industry, Wingstop is viewed favorably for its long-term growth potential and upcoming catalysts, such as the rollout of Smart Kitchen initiatives and an enhanced loyalty program [3].

Company Overview - Wingstop Inc. operates restaurants under the Wingstop brand in various countries including the US, Australia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, and the Netherlands [4] Industry Outlook - Mizuho anticipates a sustained price war in the restaurant sector through 2026 as chains compete to regain market share from grocery stores, which have become more appealing to consumers due to significant post-pandemic price increases in restaurants [1] - Stifel's analysis indicates a convergence of structural forces that will create a more challenging operating environment for the restaurant industry in 2026 [2] - Barclays predicts that Quick Service Restaurants (QSR), such as Wingstop, will start to reclaim market share from fast-casual and casual dining segments as consumers become more value-conscious [3] Price Target Adjustments - Mizuho has lowered its price target for Wingstop from $320 to $310 while maintaining an Outperform rating [1] - Stifel has also reduced its price target for Wingstop from $300 to $290 but retains a Buy rating [2] - Conversely, Barclays has raised its price target for Wingstop from $295 to $335, reflecting an Overweight rating [3]

Core Insights - Wingstop and PopUp Bagels are collaborating to launch a limited-edition "Lemon Pepper Schmear" that combines Wingstop's iconic flavor with PopUp Bagels' cream cheese spread [1][2][4] Company Overview - Wingstop, founded in 1994 and headquartered in Dallas, TX, operates over 3,000 restaurants globally, with 98% owned by brand partners [5] - The company reported approximately $5 billion in system-wide sales for fiscal 2024 and has achieved 21 consecutive years of same-store sales growth [5] - Wingstop aims to become a Top 10 Global Restaurant Brand and is the Official Chicken Partner of the NBA [5] Product Details - The "Lemon Pepper Schmear" will be available at all PopUp Bagels locations starting January 29, 2026, until supplies last [2][4] - This new product is made with Wingstop's Lemon Pepper seasoning, delivering a citrusy kick and pepper-forward heat [2][3] Brand Collaboration - The collaboration is designed to enhance the customer experience by allowing fans to enjoy Wingstop's flavors in a new format, extending the brand's reach beyond traditional offerings [3][4] - Both companies emphasize the importance of creating a product that fits naturally into the existing menu and enhances the overall flavor experience [4]

Upgrades Summary - Melius Research upgraded Wingstop (WING) to Buy from Hold with a price target of $350, increased from $275, citing an attractive entry point after recent stock weakness [2] - Seaport Research upgraded Intel (INTC) to Buy from Neutral with a price target of $65, indicating that new Panther Lakes products are expected to drive near-term improvements and market share recovery in enterprise and consumer products [2] - HSBC also upgraded Intel to Hold from Reduce with a price target of $50, up from $26 [2] - Wolfe Research upgraded Allegiant Travel (ALGT) to Outperform from Peer Perform with a price target of $108, following its acquisition of Sun Country Airlines (SNCY), described as "transformational" [2] - Wells Fargo upgraded Doximity (DOCS) to Overweight from Equal Weight with a price target of $55, down from $65, suggesting that investor concerns are overblown based on survey results indicating sufficient differentiation [2] - Morgan Stanley upgraded Brinker (EAT) to Overweight from Equal Weight with a price target of $200, increased from $160, highlighting attractive long-term growth in fast casual and beverage sectors [2] - Morgan Stanley also upgraded Shake Shack (SHAK) to Overweight from Equal Weight with a price target of $125, up from $115 [2]

Wingstop expands its Hot Honey lineup with a new trio of flavors, now available nationwide. First introduced only a couple of years ago, Hot Honey Rub has already become a clear fan favorite, and now the brand is dialing it up. Whether guests stay loyal to the original or cheat on their favorite, the trio delivers bold flavor for every moment, from game day to date night. Built around the idea that finding the right flavor is a lot like finding the right match, the Hot Honey Trio invites fans and their crew ...

Group 1 - Wingstop Inc. will host a conference call and webcast to discuss its fiscal fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results on February 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. ET [1] - A press release with the financial results will be issued before the market opens on the same day [1] - The conference call can be joined by dialing specific phone numbers, and a replay will be available two hours after the call [2] Group 2 - Wingstop operates and franchises over 2,800 restaurants globally, with 98% of the total restaurant count owned by brand partners [4] - The company reported approximately $5 billion in system-wide sales for fiscal 2024 and has achieved 21 consecutive years of same-store sales growth [4] - Wingstop aims to become a Top 10 Global Restaurant Brand and was recently named the Official Chicken Partner of the NBA [4]

You can find original article here Nrn. Subscribe to our free daily Nrn newsletters. Wingstop has announced the promotion of Rajnesh Kapoor from president of international to chief operating officer, according to a recent SEC filing. The Dallas-based company is reinstating the executive role after almost four years. Wingstop’s last COO was Michael Skipworth, who was promoted to president and CEO in March 2022, and has led the fast-casual brand since.    Before joining Wingstop in 2023, Kapoor ...

Core Viewpoint - Wingstop Inc. is recognized as one of the best food stocks to buy in 2026, despite facing a challenging market environment for the restaurant industry [1]. Group 1: Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Stifel has reduced its price objective for Wingstop from $300 to $290 while maintaining a buy rating, citing structural challenges in the restaurant market for 2026 [2]. - Barclays has reaffirmed its Overweight rating on Wingstop and increased its price target from $295 to $335, reflecting updated projections for the restaurant group and anticipating a market share recovery for quick-service restaurants [3]. Group 2: Company Performance - Wingstop's shares increased by 18% following the release of its last quarter's results, which exceeded expectations due to reduced expenses and a faster rate of store openings [4]. - The company specializes in a variety of food items, including fries, chicken tenders, bone-in and boneless wings, and chicken sandwiches [4].

Company Overview - Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ:WING) specializes in cooked-to-order chicken wings, tenders, and sandwiches [2] Market Sentiment - There is significant short interest in Wingstop's stock, attributed to a recent earnings miss and lack of clear guidance from the company [1] - The stock has experienced volatility, with mixed performance noted in the market [1] Competitive Landscape - The restaurant sector, particularly companies like Texas Roadhouse, is facing challenges due to rising food prices, which is impacting overall performance [1][2] - Other restaurant stocks mentioned include Yum and McDonald's, with the latter being downgraded recently [1] Investment Outlook - The current sentiment around Wingstop is cautious, with concerns about high food inflation and the overall risk associated with restaurant stocks [2] - While Wingstop has potential, there are suggestions that certain AI stocks may offer better upside potential with less downside risk [2]