Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, system-wide sales increased by 15.7% to $1.3 billion, marking the highest sales recorded in a single quarter in the brand's history [33] - Revenue rose by 17.4% to $171 million compared to the prior year [34] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 18.4% to $59.5 million, representing the largest first quarter on record [37] - Reported EPS for Q1 was $3.24, a more than 200% increase year-over-year [37] - Adjusted earnings per diluted share was $0.99, a 1% increase versus the prior year [38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same store sales growth was 0.5%, impacted by external factors such as California fires and severe winter weather [10] - Digital sales accounted for 72% of total sales, indicating a strong shift towards online transactions [11] - Company-owned restaurant sales increased by $1.5 million due to a 1.4% same store sales growth [35] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company opened a record 126 new units in Q1 2025, contributing to a total of over 2,600 restaurants globally [11][28] - Average new restaurant volumes are projected to exceed $1.8 million, compared to $1.2 million three years ago [28] - The international business also performed well, with a new flagship location in Kuwait breaking records for weekly sales [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to scale average unit volumes (AUVs) to $3 million and expand to over 10,000 restaurants globally [11] - Strategies include enhancing brand awareness, menu innovation, expanding delivery channels, and leveraging data-driven marketing [11] - The rollout of the Wingstop Smart Kitchen is expected to improve service speed and consistency, with over 200 restaurants already equipped with the new system [22][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted increased uncertainty in the consumer landscape but emphasized the brand's resilience and long-term strategies [6][9] - The company anticipates domestic same store sales growth of approximately 1% for fiscal year 2025, down from previous expectations of low to mid-single digits [40] - Management remains confident in the brand's health and strategies, expecting a return to growth in the second half of the year [50][62] Other Important Information - The company has a strong pipeline with over 2,000 restaurant commitments globally [28] - A dividend of $0.27 per share was approved, demonstrating confidence in the company's financial strength [39] - The company is set to pilot a loyalty program in Q4 2025, with a full launch planned for 2026 [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the comp outlook for 2025 - Management acknowledged the challenges of comparing against strong prior year results and noted that the current environment feels like a near-term pullback rather than a broad-based issue [50] Question: Franchisee sentiments and growth focus - Conversations with franchisees are centered around unit growth rather than same store sales, reflecting confidence in the brand's long-term potential [55] Question: Impact of the Smart Kitchen on sales - Early results indicate positive sales trends in restaurants equipped with the Smart Kitchen, with a 5% increase in conversion rates observed in a recent test [60] Question: International expansion and market entry - Management highlighted strong performance in international markets and expressed confidence in future growth opportunities, particularly in India and China [68] Question: Differentiation of the new tenders product - The company sees the relaunch of tenders as a significant opportunity to attract new customers and drive repeat visits, similar to the success of the chicken sandwich [72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, system-wide sales increased by 15.7% to $1.3 billion, marking the highest sales recorded in a single quarter in the brand's history [31] - Revenue rose by 17.4% to $171 million compared to the prior year [32] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 18.4% to $59.5 million, representing the largest first quarter on record [34] - Reported EPS for Q1 was $3.24 per diluted share, a more than 200% increase year-over-year [34] - Adjusted earnings per diluted share was $0.99, a 1% increase versus the prior year [35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital sales accounted for 72% of total sales, indicating a strong shift towards online ordering [10] - Company-owned restaurant sales increased by $1.5 million in Q1 due to a same-store sales growth of 1.4% [32] - The company opened a record 126 new units in Q1, contributing to a total of over 2,600 restaurants [10][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a same-store sales growth of 0.5% in Q1, despite challenges from California fires and severe winter weather [8] - The international business showed strong performance, with a new flagship location in Kuwait achieving record weekly sales [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to scale average unit volumes (AUVs) to $3 million and expand to over 10,000 restaurants globally [10] - The introduction of the Wingstop Smart Kitchen is expected to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience, with a rollout in over 200 restaurants by the end of Q1 [21] - The company is focusing on brand awareness, menu innovation, and digital transformation as key strategies for growth [10][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the current macro environment presents increased uncertainty, with consumer sentiment at its second lowest level since 1952 [6] - Despite challenges, management expressed confidence in the brand's resilience and long-term strategies, citing historical performance during similar economic conditions [7][29] - The outlook for 2025 includes a domestic same-store sales growth of approximately 1%, reflecting a more cautious approach due to macroeconomic conditions [37] Other Important Information - The company has a share repurchase authorization program of $500 million, with $250 million already repurchased [35][36] - A dividend of $0.27 per share was approved, demonstrating confidence in the company's financial health [36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the comp outlook for 2025 - Management acknowledged the challenges in forecasting due to macro headwinds and provided context on the expected trends for Q2 and the rest of the year [44][46] Question: Franchisee sentiments and growth focus - Conversations with franchisees are centered around unit growth rather than same-store sales, reflecting confidence in the brand's long-term potential [48][50] Question: Impact of the Smart Kitchen rollout - Early results from the Smart Kitchen indicate positive sales trends and improved guest satisfaction, although the benefits may take time to fully materialize [55][56] Question: International expansion and market entry - Management highlighted ongoing international growth, particularly in the GCC and Australia, while also expressing cautious optimism regarding future opportunities in China and India [64][66] Question: Addressing consumer pullback in specific demographics - The company is implementing targeted strategies to engage consumers in demographics that have shown a pullback, focusing on messaging and value [90][91]

Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, and adjusted earnings per diluted share are non-GAAP measures. A reconciliation of each of adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, and adjusted earnings per diluted share to the most directly comparable financial measure presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") is set forth in the schedule accompanying this release. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures." FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wingstop Inc. Reports Fiscal First Quarter ...

Core Insights - Wingstop Inc. reported a record 126 net new openings in the first quarter of fiscal 2025, achieving an 18% net new unit growth compared to the same period in fiscal 2024 [1][3] - The company demonstrated resilience in its business model despite macroeconomic challenges, with a strong pipeline of franchise development and industry-leading returns for brand partners [3][4] Financial Performance - Total revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2025 increased to $171.1 million, up from $145.8 million in the prior year, representing a 17.4% growth [5][8] - System-wide sales rose by 15.7% to $1.3 billion, driven by new restaurant openings and same-store sales growth [8][22] - Net income surged 221% to $92.3 million, or $3.24 per diluted share, compared to $28.7 million in the same quarter last year [8][38] Operational Metrics - The number of system-wide restaurants increased to 2,689, with 2,250 domestic franchise restaurants and 388 international franchise restaurants [4][14] - Domestic average unit volume (AUV) rose to $2.1 million, reflecting strong sales performance [8][18] - Digital sales accounted for 72% of system-wide sales, indicating a significant shift towards online ordering [8] Cost and Expenses - Cost of sales increased to $22.8 million, with a margin of 76.0% of company-owned restaurant sales, up from 74.5% in the prior year [6][40] - Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses rose to $31.4 million, driven by increased headcount and system implementation costs [7][8] Shareholder Returns - The board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.27 per share, totaling approximately $7.5 million, to be paid on June 6, 2025 [15] - The company repurchased a total of 868,527 shares under an accelerated share repurchase agreement at an average price of $287.84 per share [16][17] Future Outlook - The company provided updated guidance for fiscal 2025, indicating expectations for continued growth in same-store sales and unit expansion, while acknowledging the unpredictable macro-environment [13][19]

Analysts on Wall Street project that Wingstop (WING) will announce quarterly earnings of $0.84 per share in its forthcoming report, representing a decline of 14.3% year over year. Revenues are projected to reach $170.46 million, increasing 16.9% from the same quarter last year. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 1.8% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This reflects how the analysts covering the stock have collectively reevaluated their initial estimates during this ti ...

Core Viewpoint - The current market correction presents a potential buying opportunity for stocks, particularly those trading at historically low valuations, with three specific companies highlighted as attractive investments [2]. Group 1: Zoetis - Zoetis is a leading animal healthcare company with over 300 products for companion animals and livestock [3]. - Since its spin-off from Pfizer in 2013, Zoetis has achieved an annualized total return of 15%, despite a recent stock decline of 39% [4]. - The company reported revenue and adjusted earnings per share growth of 11% and 17%, respectively, in 2024, with significant sales growth in its osteoarthritis pain management products for pets [5]. - Zoetis's dividend yield is currently at 1.2%, the highest in its history, with an 18% increase in dividend payments over the last decade [6]. Group 2: Yeti - Yeti is a lifestyle brand known for premium outdoor products, with a loyal customer base among outdoor enthusiasts [8]. - Despite a 75% decline from its all-time highs due to a product recall and tariff concerns, Yeti has more than doubled its sales, net income, and free cash flow since its IPO [9]. - The company is expanding internationally, with 30% international sales growth in 2024, and is currently trading at its lowest-ever P/E ratio of 13 [12]. - Yeti plans to produce 80% of its drinkware outside of China by the end of the year, supported by a $300 million net cash balance [13]. Group 3: Wingstop - Wingstop operates 2,154 locations in the U.S. and 359 internationally, achieving 21 consecutive years of same-store sales growth [14]. - In 2024, Wingstop increased sales, net income, and store count by 16%, 36%, and 55%, respectively, yet its stock price is 49% below its 52-week highs [14]. - The company is currently trading at 59 times earnings, significantly lower than its historical average of 100, presenting a potential investment opportunity [15]. - Wingstop has a pipeline of over 2,000 restaurant commitments, which is the highest in its history, indicating strong growth potential [16].

In the latest trading session, Wingstop (WING) closed at $237.29, marking a -1.25% move from the previous day. This change lagged the S&P 500's 1.81% gain on the day. On the other hand, the Dow registered a gain of 1.56%, and the technology-centric Nasdaq increased by 2.06%.Coming into today, shares of the restaurant chain had gained 13.23% in the past month. In that same time, the Retail-Wholesale sector lost 5.27%, while the S&P 500 lost 6.14%.The upcoming earnings release of Wingstop will be of great int ...

"We all know the feeling of rolling into our favorite bar with friends and ordering the bartender's specialty," said Wingstop's Chief Revenue Officer, Mark Christenson. "With Bar Tender by Wingstop, we're shaking things up – literally – serving all 12 bold flavors for a one-of-a-kind experience. And the best part? Fans can bring the Bar Tender energy home by tasting every signature flavor for themselves." Whether fans prefer their crispy tenders served neat – like Wingstop's house favorite Hot Honey Rub – o ...

Wingstop Inc. (WING) is likely to benefit from digital efforts, unit expansion and strategic partnerships. Also, the emphasis on AI-powered kitchen technology bodes well. However, an uncertain macroeconomic environment is a concern.Let us discuss the factors that highlight why investors should retain the stock for now.Factors Driving WING StockDigital remains a cornerstone of Wingstop’s growth engine. In 2024, the digital sales mix rose to 70%, underpinned by the launch of the company’s proprietary tech sta ...

DALLAS, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ: WING) today announced that it will host a conference call and webcast to discuss its fiscal first quarter 2025 financial results on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. ET. A press release with fiscal first quarter 2025 financial results will be issued before the market opens that morning. The conference call can be joined telephonically by dialing 1-877-259-5243 or 1-412-317-5176 (international) and asking for the Wingstop conference call.  A ...