Wingstop Inc Reports Mixed Earnings Amid Market Reaction
Wingstop's Earnings Report Overview
Wingstop Inc (NASDAQ: WING) has released its latest earnings report, revealing a mix of growth and challenges that have affected its stock performance. Recently, the company announced that its shares are trading lower in premarket following the unveiling of its fourth-quarter results.
Financial Highlights from the Latest Quarter
In the most recent fourth-quarter earnings announcement, Wingstop reported a year-on-year sales growth of 27.4%, totaling $161.82 million. However, this figure fell short of the analyst consensus estimate of $164.54 million, causing concern among investors.
Growth in System-Wide and Domestic Sales
The company's system-wide sales showcased impressive growth, increasing 27.6% year-over-year to reach $1.2 billion. Domestic same-store sales also reported a rise of 10.1% compared to last year, illustrating the strength of its brand. Notably, digital sales surged to comprise 70.3% of total system-wide sales, indicating a shift towards more online transactions.
Increases in Revenue Sources
Wingstop saw its revenue from royalties, franchise fees, and other associated fees grow by 31.2% year-on-year. Additionally, advertising fee revenue experienced a 30% increase, while company-owned restaurant sales climbed by 14.6%, reaffirming its strong market position.
Expenses and Margins
Despite strong revenue, total costs and expenses also increased, rising by 23.3% year-on-year to $119.98 million. The operating margins remained healthy at 25.8%, leading to an operating income that rose by 40.3%, reaching $41.8 million for the quarter. Furthermore, adjusted EBITDA surged to $56.3 million, which represents a significant increase of 44.2% year-over-year. The earnings per share (EPS) came in at $0.92, outpacing the consensus estimate of $0.87.
Strong Cash Position
As of the end of the quarter, Wingstop boasted a robust cash position with $336.8 million in cash and equivalents. The company is also witnessing expansion, with a total of 2,563 Wingstop restaurants operating globally, including 2,204 located across the United States.
Dividend and Share Repurchase Programs
The board of directors has sanctioned a quarterly dividend of $0.27 per share, slated to be distributed on March 28, 2025, to shareholders on record as of March 7, 2025. Moreover, Wingstop reported that $311.1 million remains accessible under its share repurchase program authorized by the board, reflecting its commitment to returning value to shareholders.
CEO’s Insights and Future Outlook
Michael Skipworth, President and CEO, shared insights regarding the company's performance. He noted, “We reached new highs with domestic AUVs of $2.1 million and opened 349 net new restaurants – a remarkable 15.8% growth rate, demonstrating the strength of our unit economics and confidence in our strategies by our Brand Partners.”
Expectations for FY25
Looking ahead, Wingstop anticipates low- to mid-single-digit growth in domestic same-store sales. The company is also projecting a global unit growth rate of 14% to 15% for the coming period, alongside depreciation and amortization estimates ranging between $29 million and $30 million.
Current Stock Performance
The price action for WING shares indicates a decline of 10.5%, with shares trading around $274.00 during the last check on Wednesday morning. Investors and market analysts will be closely monitoring Wingstop’s response to these results and its strategies moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Wingstop's fourth-quarter sales results?
Wingstop reported fourth-quarter sales of $161.82 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 27.4%, but it missed the analyst consensus estimate of $164.54 million.
How did Wingstop perform regarding same-store sales?
The domestic same-store sales increased by 10.1% compared to the previous year, showcasing robust demand for their products.
What is the company’s cash position?
As of the end of the recent quarter, Wingstop had $336.8 million in cash and equivalents, highlighting a strong liquidity position.
What dividend has Wingstop declared for the next quarter?
Wingstop's board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.27 per share, which will be paid to shareholders on March 28, 2025.
What is Wingstop’s outlook for FY25?
For FY25, Wingstop expects low- to mid-single-digit growth in domestic same-store sales and a projected global unit growth rate of 14% to 15%.
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