Financial Performance - System-wide sales increased 36.8% to approximately $4.8 billion in fiscal year 2024, marking the 21st consecutive year of same store sales growth [29]. - Total revenue for fiscal year 2024 increased 36.0% to $625.8 million, up from $460.1 million in the prior fiscal year [12]. - Net income for fiscal year 2024 increased 54.9% to $108.7 million, or $3.70 per diluted share [12]. - Adjusted EBITDA for fiscal year 2024 increased 44.8% to $212.1 million [12]. - Domestic same store sales increased 19.9% in fiscal year 2024 [11]. - In 2024, Wingstop achieved total revenue of $625.8 million, a 36% increase from $460.1 million in 2023 [39]. - The company reported a net income of $108.7 million for the fiscal year 2024, up 55% from $70.2 million in 2023 [39]. - Wingstop's earnings per share for fiscal year 2024 were $3.72, compared to $2.36 in 2023, reflecting strong profitability growth [39]. - Net income for the thirteen weeks ended December 28, 2024, was $26,753,000, compared to $18,814,000 for the same period in 2023, representing a year-over-year increase of 42.4% [46]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, was $212,061,000, a significant increase of 44.8% from $146,484,000 in 2023 [46]. Growth and Expansion - The company opened 349 net new restaurants in fiscal year 2024, representing a 15.8% unit growth [4]. - The company expects a global unit growth rate of 14% to 15% for fiscal year 2025 [21]. - Total system-wide restaurants increased to 2,563 by the end of the period, up from 2,214 in the previous year, reflecting a growth of 15.7% [44]. - Domestic franchised restaurants reached 2,154 at the end of the period, up from 1,877 in the previous year, marking a growth of 14.7% [44]. - The company opened 83 new domestic franchised restaurants during the thirteen weeks ended December 28, 2024, compared to 86 openings in the same period of 2023 [44]. - International franchised restaurants grew to 359, up from 288 in the previous year, indicating a growth of 24.7% [44]. - The company plans to continue expanding its restaurant count, with a focus on new unit openings in the coming years [33]. Financial Position - Total assets increased to $716.2 million in 2024, compared to $377.8 million in 2023, reflecting significant growth [37]. - Long-term debt rose to $1.2 billion in 2024, up from $712.3 million in 2023, indicating increased leverage [37]. - The cost of sales for the fiscal year 2024 was $91.6 million, representing 76.5% of company-owned restaurant sales, compared to 73.7% in 2023 [41]. - Interest expense for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, was $21,292,000, compared to $18,227,000 in 2023, reflecting an increase of 11.4% [46]. - The company reported a total income tax expense of $38,473,000 for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, up from $24,135,000 in 2023, representing an increase of 59.5% [46]. Marketing and Brand Recognition - Wingstop's advertising expenses for the fiscal year 2024 were $233.3 million, a significant increase from $166.6 million in 2023 [39]. - The company has been recognized as one of the "Hottest Brands" and "Best Brands to Work For," indicating positive brand perception and employee satisfaction [30]. Operational Metrics - Digital sales accounted for 70.3% of system-wide sales in fiscal fourth quarter 2024 [4]. - Domestic average unit volume (AUV) increased to $2.1 million in fiscal year 2024 [4]. - The total number of domestic company-owned restaurants remained stable at 50, unchanged from the previous year [44]. - The company incurred $6,049,000 in stock-based compensation expense for the thirteen weeks ended December 28, 2024, compared to $5,539,000 in the same period of 2023 [46].

Record 349 Net New Restaurants and 15.8% Unit Growth in 2024Delivers 21st Consecutive Year of Same Store Sales Growth with 19.9% in 2024DALLAS, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wingstop Inc. ("Wingstop" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: WING) today announced financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 28, 2024.Highlights for the fiscal fourth quarter 2024 compared to the fiscal fourth quarter 2023: System-wide sales increased 27.6% to $1.2 billion 105 net new openings in the fiscal ...

Company Overview - Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ: WING) is set to report its Q4 results on February 19th during pre-market hours, indicating a focus on transparency and timely updates for investors [1]. Growth and Expansion - The company has been rapidly expanding its store network, which suggests a strong growth trajectory and commitment to increasing its market presence [1]. Investment Philosophy - The investment philosophy highlighted emphasizes identifying mispriced securities by understanding the underlying drivers of a company's financials, which can be effectively analyzed through a DCF model valuation [1].

Core Viewpoint - Wingstop (WING) is expected to report a quarterly earnings per share (EPS) of $0.86, marking a 34.4% increase year-over-year, with revenues projected at $164.43 million, reflecting a 29.4% increase compared to the same period last year [1]. Earnings Estimates - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 1.9% lower over the last 30 days, indicating a collective reevaluation by analysts [2]. - Changes in earnings estimates are crucial for predicting investor reactions, as empirical studies show a strong correlation between earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock performance [3]. Revenue Projections - Analysts predict 'Revenue- Royalty revenue, franchise fees and other' to reach $74.07 million, a 28.4% increase from the previous year [5]. - 'Revenue- Company-owned restaurant sales' is estimated at $33.10 million, indicating a 26.2% year-over-year change [5]. - 'Revenue- Advertising fees' is expected to be $56.99 million, reflecting a 32.1% increase from the prior-year quarter [5]. Restaurant Metrics - Total System-wide Restaurants are forecasted to reach 2,543, up from 2,214 in the same quarter last year [6]. - System-wide Domestic Same Store Sales Growth is estimated at 11.1%, down from 21.2% in the same quarter last year [6]. - Total Franchise Restaurants are projected to be 2,484, compared to 2,165 a year ago [7]. - Company-owned domestic same store sales growth is expected to be 5.2%, down from 10.8% in the previous year [7]. New Openings and Activity - The Number of Restaurants at end of period - Domestic Company-Owned Activity is likely to reach 58, compared to 49 in the same quarter last year [8]. - New Restaurant Openings - International Franchised Activity is projected at 22, down from 29 in the same quarter last year [8]. - The consensus estimate for New Restaurant Openings stands at 85, compared to 108 a year ago [9]. - Total Domestic Restaurants are expected to be 2,184, up from 1,926 in the same quarter last year [9]. - The Number of Restaurants at end of period - International Franchised Activity is projected to reach 359, compared to 288 in the same quarter last year [10]. Stock Performance - Wingstop shares have increased by 11.7% in the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite, which rose by 3.9% [11].

Core Viewpoint - The market anticipates Wingstop (WING) will report a year-over-year increase in earnings driven by higher revenues when it releases its results for the quarter ended December 2024 [1] Earnings Expectations - The upcoming earnings report is expected on February 19, 2025, with a consensus EPS estimate of $0.86, reflecting a year-over-year increase of +34.4% [3] - Revenues are projected to reach $164.43 million, marking a 29.4% increase from the same quarter last year [3] Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 1.87% lower in the last 30 days, indicating a reassessment by analysts [4] - The Most Accurate Estimate for Wingstop is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in a positive Earnings ESP of +3.01% [10][11] Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model suggests that a positive Earnings ESP reading is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, especially when combined with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy), or 3 (Hold) [8] - Wingstop currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3, indicating a likelihood of beating the consensus EPS estimate [11] Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Wingstop was expected to post earnings of $0.97 per share but delivered $0.88, resulting in a surprise of -9.28% [12] - Over the past four quarters, Wingstop has beaten consensus EPS estimates three times [13] Conclusion - While an earnings beat may not solely dictate stock movement, betting on stocks expected to exceed earnings expectations can enhance the odds of success [15] - Wingstop is viewed as a compelling earnings-beat candidate, but investors should consider other influencing factors before making investment decisions [16]

Core Viewpoint - OPI has launched the RapiDry™ Quick-Dry Nail Polish, which allows for a flawless manicure in just 60 seconds, addressing consumer frustrations with nail polish drying time [2][4]. Product Innovation - RapiDry™ Quick-Dry Nail Polish features a one-coat application that dries quickly, utilizing built-in Drip Dry Drops and speedy solvents, along with an innovative Rush Brush™ that has 200 extra bristles for faster application and drying [2][4]. - The product is designed to cater to the needs of consumers who want to avoid smudging their nails while engaging in activities like snacking shortly after application [3][4]. Marketing Collaboration - OPI is collaborating with Wingstop to launch the Snack in :60 Challenge, encouraging consumers to enjoy their favorite Wingstop snacks just 60 seconds after painting their nails [3][4]. - The campaign is aimed at Gen-Z consumers, leveraging social media platforms like TikTok to engage with the audience through challenges and exclusive kits [4][5][6]. Product Availability - The RapiDry™ Quick-Dry Nail Polish will be available in various shades, including bright, neutral, and classic colors, starting January 1, 2025, with a retail price of $9.99 USD per 9ml bottle [6][7]. - Limited edition Snack in :60 Kits will be available for fans to claim on Snackin60.com from January 31 to February 5, 2025 [5]. Brand Positioning - OPI is recognized as the 1 salon brand worldwide, committed to providing high-quality products and a wide range of colors for self-expression [9][10]. - The brand emphasizes inclusivity and creativity, appealing to a diverse consumer base with its innovative products and marketing strategies [10][11].

Core Insights - Wingstop Inc. is expanding its efforts to assist communities affected by the wildfires in Southern California through a matching donation campaign [1][3] - The company has partnered with the American Red Cross to facilitate contributions from customers during the checkout process on its website and mobile app [2][3] Company Initiatives - Contributions made through the Round-Up campaign will be matched dollar for dollar up to $500,000 until February 15 [1] - Wingstop is providing free meals to first responders and delivering food to local fire stations and medical facilities to support emergency personnel [3] Financial Performance - In fiscal year 2023, Wingstop's system-wide sales increased by 27.1% to approximately $3.5 billion, marking the 20th consecutive year of same-store sales growth [5] - The company aims to become a Top 10 Global Restaurant Brand, with 98% of its 2,458 locations operated by independent franchisees as of September 28, 2024 [5] Brand Recognition - Wingstop was recognized on Ad Age's 'Hottest Brands' list in 2024 and ranked 14 on Entrepreneur Magazine's 'Franchise 500' [7] - The company has also received certifications for being one of the "Best Places to Work" [7]

Company Performance - Wingstop's stock closed at $283.58, reflecting a +1.11% change from the previous day, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 0.61% [1] - Over the last month, Wingstop's shares decreased by 3.86%, underperforming compared to the Retail-Wholesale sector's gain of 2.32% and the S&P 500's gain of 2.08% [1] Upcoming Earnings - Wingstop's earnings report is anticipated on February 19, 2025, with an expected EPS of $0.86, representing a 34.38% increase from the prior-year quarter [2] - The consensus estimate projects revenue of $165.05 million, indicating a 29.9% rise from the same quarter last year [2] Analyst Projections - Recent shifts in analyst projections for Wingstop are important as they reflect changes in near-term business trends [3] - Positive revisions in estimates suggest analysts' confidence in the company's performance and profit potential [3] Valuation Metrics - Wingstop currently has a Forward P/E ratio of 63.66, which is a premium compared to the industry's average Forward P/E of 23.27 [6] - The PEG ratio for Wingstop is 2.18, while the average PEG ratio for Retail-Restaurants stocks is 2 [6] Industry Ranking - The Retail-Restaurants industry holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 89, placing it in the top 36% of over 250 industries [7] - Strong individual industry groups, as measured by the Zacks Industry Rank, tend to outperform weaker groups by a factor of 2 to 1 [7]

Core Insights - Wingstop Inc. will host a conference call on February 19, 2025, to discuss its fiscal fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results [1] - The company reported a 27.1% increase in system-wide sales for fiscal year 2023, reaching approximately $3.5 billion, marking 20 consecutive years of same-store sales growth [5] Company Overview - Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Dallas, TX, Wingstop operates and franchises over 2,450 locations globally [4] - The brand focuses on providing an unparalleled guest experience with a technology platform and a menu featuring classic and boneless wings, tenders, and chicken sandwiches in 12 distinct flavors [4] Business Performance - Wingstop's system comprises corporate-owned restaurants and independent franchisees, with franchisees accounting for about 98% of the total restaurant count as of September 28, 2024 [5] - The company aims to become a Top 10 Global Restaurant Brand [5] Recognition and Awards - In 2024, Wingstop was listed on Ad Age's 'Hottest Brands' and recognized as one of QSR Magazine's "Best Brands to Work For" [7] - The company ranked 14 on Entrepreneur Magazine's 'Franchise 500' as one of the fastest-growing franchises [7] - Wingstop received its "Best Places to Work" certification in 2023 [7] Corporate Values - The success of Wingstop is attributed to "The Wingstop Way," which emphasizes authenticity, entrepreneurship, service-mindedness, and fun [6] - The brand is committed to environmental, social, and governance initiatives to provide value to all guests [6]

Group 1 - Wingstop's stock closed at $273.44, reflecting a -0.91% change from the previous day, underperforming compared to the S&P 500's gain of 0.12% [1] - Over the last month, Wingstop's shares decreased by 8.11%, while the Retail-Wholesale sector and S&P 500 saw losses of 4.43% and 3.45%, respectively [1] Group 2 - Wingstop is expected to report an EPS of $0.86, representing a 34.38% increase year-over-year, with revenue forecasted at $165.05 million, indicating a 29.9% growth compared to the same quarter last year [2] - Recent changes in analyst estimates for Wingstop may indicate a favorable outlook on the company's business health and profitability [3] Group 3 - The Zacks Rank system, which evaluates estimate changes, indicates that Wingstop currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), with a recent 1.08% decline in the consensus EPS estimate [5] - The Forward P/E ratio for Wingstop is 62.63, significantly higher than the industry average of 22.75, and the PEG ratio stands at 2.15 compared to the industry average of 1.97 [6] Group 4 - The Retail-Restaurants industry, which includes Wingstop, has a Zacks Industry Rank of 143, placing it in the bottom 44% of over 250 industries [7]