Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA increased 18.6% to $63.7 million, the highest quarter on record[4] - Total revenue increased 8.1% to $175.7 million from $162.5 million in the prior fiscal third quarter[6] - Net income rose 10.7% to $28.5 million, or $1.02 per diluted share[4] - Total revenue for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2025, was $175,736,000, an increase of 8.1% compared to $162,498,000 for the same period in 2024[35] - Net income for the same period was $28,478,000, representing a 10.7% increase from $25,732,000 in the prior year[35] - Adjusted EBITDA for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2025, was $63,658,000, up 18.6% from $53,672,000 in the previous year[42] - Earnings per diluted share for the period was $1.02, an increase from $0.88 in the same quarter of 2024[35] Sales and Growth - System-wide sales rose 10.0% to $1.4 billion compared to the prior year[4] - Domestic same store sales decreased 5.6%, while company-owned domestic same store sales grew 3.8%[4] - Digital sales accounted for 72.8% of system-wide sales[4] - 114 net new restaurant openings in the fiscal third quarter, resulting in 19.3% net new unit growth[3] - The company opened 93 new domestic franchised restaurants, increasing the total to 2,450, compared to 2,064 at the end of the same period in 2024[39] - The company reported a total of 2,932 system-wide restaurants as of September 27, 2025, compared to 2,458 a year earlier[39] Future Outlook - The company expects a decline of approximately 3% to 4% in domestic same store sales growth for 2025[17] Expenses and Dividends - The cost of sales margin decreased to 74.8% for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2025, down from 77.8% in the prior year[37] - Advertising expenses for the quarter were $65,541,000, an increase from $60,965,000 in the same period last year[35] - The board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share, totaling approximately $8.3 million[13] - The company declared dividends per share of $0.30, up from $0.27 in the prior year[35] Debt - The company’s long-term debt remained stable at $1,208,358,000, slightly up from $1,206,201,000 in the previous year[33]

Core Insights - Wingstop (NASDAQ:WING) is a prominent player in the fast-casual dining sector, particularly known for its chicken wings, competing with chains like Buffalo Wild Wings and Popeyes [1] - Chris O'Cull from Stifel Nicolaus has revised the price target for Wingstop to $300 from a previous target of $375, indicating a potential upside of 40.23% from the current trading price of $213.93 [1][5] Stock Performance - The current stock price of Wingstop is $216.63, reflecting a slight increase of 0.46% or $1, with intraday fluctuations between a low of $206 and a high of $217.46 [3] - Over the past year, the stock has experienced a high of $388.14 and a low of $204, with a market capitalization of approximately $6.05 billion [3] Analyst Recommendations - Wall Street analysts maintain a favorable outlook on Wingstop, with an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.63, indicating a consensus rating between Strong Buy and Buy [2][5] - Out of 28 brokerage firms, 19 have rated Wingstop as a Strong Buy, while two have given it a Buy rating, resulting in 67.9% of recommendations being Strong Buy and 7.1% being Buy [2] Trading Activity - Wingstop's trading volume on the NASDAQ exchange is 1,416,885 shares, indicating strong investor interest [4][5] - The positive analyst sentiment and potential for price growth contribute to Wingstop being an attractive consideration for investors [4]

Core Insights - Baron Discovery Fund's year-to-date performance is up 10.75%, slightly trailing the Russell 2000 Growth Index's return of 11.65% [1] - In Q3 2025, the fund increased by 2.85%, while the Index rose by 12.19% [1] Company Overview: Wingstop Inc. - Wingstop Inc. operates as a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in cooked-to-order chicken wings, utilizing a highly franchised model [3] - As of October 29, 2025, Wingstop's stock closed at $242.57, with a market capitalization of $6.774 billion [2] Recent Performance - Wingstop's one-month return was -8.55%, and its shares decreased by 15.68% over the past 52 weeks [2] - The company's total revenue for Q2 increased by 12% to $174.3 million [4] Market Trends and Challenges - Wingstop experienced a decline in sales momentum during Q3, attributed to a broader slowdown in industry spending affecting its customer base [3] - Despite short-term challenges, the company maintains long-term growth prospects due to its asset-light franchised model and strong unit economics [3] Strategic Initiatives - Wingstop is focusing on technology initiatives aimed at reducing order times, which are expected to enhance sales [3] - The company anticipates benefits from increased marketing and brand awareness efforts [3]

Group 1 - The company aims to invest in firms with strong qualitative attributes and acquire them at attractive prices based on fundamentals [1] - The investment strategy involves maintaining a concentrated portfolio to avoid underperformers while maximizing exposure to high-potential winners [1] - The company plans to publish articles about selected companies approximately three times a week, including extensive quarterly follow-ups and constant updates [1]

Group 1 - The company aims to invest in firms with strong qualitative attributes and acquire them at attractive prices based on fundamentals [1] - The investment strategy involves maintaining a concentrated portfolio to avoid underperformers while maximizing exposure to high-potential winners [1] - The company plans to publish articles on selected companies approximately three times a week, including extensive quarterly follow-ups and constant updates [1] Group 2 - The company may rate high-quality firms as 'Hold' if their growth opportunities do not meet the required threshold or if the downside risk is deemed too high [1]

Core Insights - Artisan Partners' "Artisan Mid Cap Fund" reported strong performance in Q3 2025, with returns of 8.80% for both Investor Class and Advisor Class funds, and 8.83% for Institutional Class, significantly outperforming the Russell Midcap Growth Index's 2.78% return [1] Group 1: Fund Performance - The global equity markets showed strength in Q3 2025, ending the period with double-digit year-to-date gains [1] - The fund's significant outperformance was primarily driven by holdings in the health care sector [1] Group 2: Wingstop Inc. Analysis - Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ:WING) experienced a one-month return of -0.80% and a 52-week decline of 32.52%, closing at $254.99 per share with a market capitalization of $7.12 billion on October 14, 2025 [2] - Despite exceeding quarterly expectations, Wingstop's shares declined due to broader industry weakness, but the company remains confident in growth initiatives such as expanded advertising and smart kitchen technology, which has reduced customer service wait times by 40% [3] - Wingstop's total revenue increased by 12% in Q2 to $174.3 million, with 47 hedge funds holding its stock at the end of Q2, up from 39 in the previous quarter [4]

Core Insights - ClearBridge Investments reported modest gains in its "ClearBridge Mid Cap Growth Strategy" for Q3 2025, outperforming the Russell Midcap Growth Index which returned 2.8% [1] - The strategy's performance was attributed to shifts in monetary policy, stabilizing earnings, and improving investor sentiment, despite near-term volatility [1] - The fund's top five holdings were highlighted as key picks for 2025 [1] Company Specifics - Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ:WING) experienced a one-month return of -9.35% and a 52-week decline of 36.96%, closing at $249.01 per share with a market capitalization of $6.953 billion on October 8, 2025 [2] - Concerns over consumer spending negatively impacted Wingstop's performance, particularly in the consumer discretionary sector [3] - Wingstop's total revenue increased by 12% in Q2 to $174.3 million, but the company is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 47 hedge fund portfolios holding its stock at the end of Q2 [3]

Core Viewpoint - There is currently "little to no appetite" for restaurant stocks, according to BTIG, but Wingstop and Chipotle are identified as "rare opportunities" [1] Company Analysis - Wingstop is highlighted as a potential investment opportunity amidst the general lack of interest in restaurant stocks [1] - Chipotle is also recognized as a favorable investment option, suggesting it may outperform its peers in the current market environment [1] Industry Outlook - The overall sentiment in the restaurant industry is negative, with investors showing reluctance to engage with restaurant stocks at this time [1] - Despite the prevailing pessimism, specific companies like Wingstop and Chipotle stand out as exceptions, indicating potential for growth and investment [1]

Core Insights - Wingstop Inc. has recently experienced a stock decline, raising concerns among investors about its guidance and overall performance [1][2] - The restaurant sector, including Wingstop, is facing challenges due to rising food commodity prices, impacting profitability [1] - There is a lack of transparency from Wingstop regarding future performance, which is causing hesitation among analysts and investors [2] Company Overview - Wingstop Inc. specializes in cooked-to-order chicken wings, tenders, and sandwiches, operating and franchising restaurants [2] - The company has not provided the level of guidance that investors desire, leading to uncertainty about its future prospects [2] Market Context - The broader restaurant industry is struggling, with many stocks, including Wingstop, not performing well due to increased food costs [1] - Comparatively, some analysts suggest that certain AI stocks may present better investment opportunities with higher upside potential and lower risks [2]

Market Overview - Mid cap growth equities experienced modest gains in Q3, with the Russell Midcap Growth Index returning 2.8%, lagging behind the Russell Midcap Value Index at 6.2% and the Russell Midcap Index at 5.3% [3] - The U.S. Federal Reserve's rate cut in September contributed to easing monetary policy, benefiting rate-sensitive sectors and renewing interest in cyclical and innovation-led areas [3] Investor Sentiment - Investor sentiment improved due to the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill and progress on trade agreements, reducing policy uncertainty and enabling companies to execute delayed strategic decisions [4] - Earnings estimates stabilized, particularly in technology and AI-related sectors, despite ongoing challenges in non-residential construction and discretionary segments [4] Portfolio Performance - The ClearBridge Mid Cap Growth Strategy outperformed its benchmark in Q3, driven by stock selection in IT, consumer staples, and healthcare sectors, while consumer discretionary and financials sectors slightly detracted from performance [5] Sector Contributions - In the IT sector, AppLovin (APP) and Monolithic Power Systems (MPWR) were standout performers, with AppLovin benefiting from strong earnings and optimism around its e-commerce business [6] - Consumer staples saw positive contributions from Performance Food Group (PFGC) and Casey's General Stores (CASY), both benefiting from strong operational performance [7] - The consumer discretionary sector faced challenges, particularly with Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) and Wingstop (WING) experiencing declines due to competitive pressures and softer spending trends [8] - Financials sector was a modest drag on performance, with Tradeweb Markets (TW) and Corpay facing challenges from macro volatility and company-specific issues [9] Portfolio Positioning - New positions were initiated in Roblox, benefiting from improved growth dynamics and advertising opportunities, and APi Group, which is well-positioned in safety and industrial services [10][11] - Exited position in Deckers Outdoor (DECK) due to increasing competitive pressures in the sneaker market [12] Outlook - Leadership within mid growth stocks remains selective, with a few companies rewarded for differentiated technology and strong pipelines, while others struggle with demand and competition [13] - Focus remains on identifying businesses with secular growth drivers across technology, healthcare, and industrials sectors [14] - Near-term market uncertainty is expected to persist, but the strategy is positioned to benefit from companies sustaining durable growth in earnings and cash flow [15] Portfolio Highlights - The ClearBridge Mid Cap Growth Strategy had positive contributions across seven of the 11 sectors, with IT and healthcare being the leading contributors [16] - Stock selection in IT, consumer staples, healthcare, and energy sectors contributed positively, while consumer discretionary and financials sectors weighed on performance [17] - Individual stock contributions included AppLovin, United Rentals (URI), and Performance Food, while detractors included Chipotle Mexican Grill and Tradeweb Markets [18]