Wingstop Posts Revenue of $185.1 Million as Comparable Sales Fall 5.4%

Key Facts

Wingstop reported results on October 28 for the fiscal third quarter ended September 26, 2026, posting revenue of $185.1 million, up 5.3% from the year-earlier period. System-wide sales rose 6% to $1.437 billion, from $1.356 billion a year earlier. But domestic same-store sales fell 5.4%, compared with a 5.6% decline in the third quarter of 2025. The company said lower transaction volumes reflected continued pressure on consumer spending. Revenue and network sales growth thus coincided with weakness at existing restaurants.

Reported net income rose 2.2% to $29.1 million, or $1.07 per diluted share, while adjusted net income fell 3.5% to $29.3 million, or $1.08 per adjusted diluted share. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization rose 0.5% to $64 million from the same quarter a year earlier. The company said net new franchise development added $8.6 million to revenue. The 5.4% decline in domestic same-store sales reduced revenue by $3.6 million. These components show how expansion supported total revenue, while weaker demand at existing restaurants limited growth.

Cost of sales at company-owned restaurants rose to 78.2% of sales, compared with 74.8% in the third quarter of 2025. Wingstop attributed the increase to higher food, beverage and packaging costs, as well as increased rent, repairs and maintenance. It also cited labor costs related to acquired restaurants and the effect of lower sales on fixed labor costs and operating expenses. Digital channels accounted for 73.7% of system sales during the quarter. The company opened 76 net restaurants, bringing the network total to 3,331 restaurants as of September 26, 2026.

The company updated its fiscal 2026 outlook to indicate a decline in domestic same-store sales of about 6.5% to 7%. It also aims to open 440 to 450 net restaurants worldwide, equivalent to unit growth of between 14.4% and 14.7%. Chief Executive Michael Skipworth said the company is working to improve marketing execution, strengthen restaurant operations and use its Club Wingstop program to deepen relationships with guests. He added that

sales performance takes time, and we are encouraged by the early signs of the changes we have made.