Wingstop Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ: WING) celebrates the opening of its 1,500th restaurant in Las Vegas, a significant milestone in its expansion strategy. This achievement follows the company’s adjustment of guidance for net new openings in 2020, increasing estimates from 120-130 to 135-140. With strong growth in its development pipeline and a goal of over 6,000 restaurants globally, Wingstop continues to thrive, having generated 62% of its sales through digital channels in Q3 2020. The company aims to solidify its position as a top 10 global restaurant brand.

Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ: WING) reported strong financial results for Q3 2020, with system-wide sales up 32.8% to $509.2 million, and net income increasing 70.7% to $10.1 million, or $0.34 per diluted share. The company opened 43 new restaurants and saw domestic same-store sales grow by 25.4%. Additionally, a special dividend of $5.00 per share was approved, payable on December 3, 2020. The outlook includes 135-140 new openings for the year, enhancing its strong franchised business model.

Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ: WING) announced a partnership with DoorDash to provide free delivery from October 30 to November 13 and again from November 27 to December 4 on orders via Wingstop.com and the app. This initiative follows a successful collaboration with DoorDash that began in 2017, expanding nationwide offerings after the pandemic shifted Wingstop's focus to off-premise dining. The brand reported digital sales making up 62.0% of total sales in the latest quarter, highlighting the growing importance of delivery services.

Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ: WING) announced on October 8, 2020, an increase in its senior term notes offering from $400 million to approximately $480 million. This refinancing plan aims to strengthen liquidity and may include capital returns to shareholders. As of September 26, 2020, the Company had an outstanding balance of $317 million in senior term notes. The refinancing transaction, expected to close in Q4 2020, is subject to market conditions and may not be finalized. The proceeds from this offering will be used to pay off existing debts and transaction costs.

Wingstop reported strong preliminary results for Q3 2020, showcasing resilience amid industry challenges. Key highlights include a 25.4% increase in domestic same-store sales and a 32.8% rise in system-wide sales to approximately $509.2 million. The company opened 43 new restaurants globally, contributing to a total of 1,479 locations as of September 26, 2020. Digital sales surged to 62.0% of total revenue, underscoring a shift in consumer behavior. Wingstop will discuss these results in detail during a conference call on November 2, 2020.

Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ: WING) announced its plan to refinance its existing securitized financing facility, targeting approximately $400 million in senior term notes and $50 million in senior variable funding notes. As of September 26, 2020, the outstanding balance was $317 million and $16 million respectively. The refinancing aims to repay existing debt, enhance liquidity, and is expected to close in Q4 2020, subject to market conditions. No assurance is given on the completion or the interest rate of the refinancing.

Wingstop reported strong financial results for Q2 2020, with system-wide sales up 37.0% to $509.0 million and total revenue increasing 36.1% to $66.1 million. The net income surged 134.6% to $11.5 million, or $0.39 per diluted share. Domestic same store sales grew 31.9% and Adjusted EBITDA rose 54.2% to $20.9 million. Wingstop also opened 23 new restaurants and plans to expand further, anticipating 120-130 net openings for the fiscal year. Additionally, the Board approved a 27% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.14 per share.

Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ: WING) has launched its first domestic ghost kitchen in Dallas, responding to the evolving dining habits due to COVID-19. The company shifted to 100% off-premise operations, showing resilience with a 33.4% increase in same-store sales in April 2020 and a 65% surge in digital sales. The ghost kitchen, under 400 sq. ft., will provide deliveries from a full menu, aligning with Wingstop's goal of digitizing 100% of transactions. The brand's digital channels accounted for 47% of sales as of March 2020.

Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ: WING) has appointed Stacy Peterson Androes as Chief Technology Officer. She previously served in various technology roles, contributing to Wingstop's robust digital strategy. During her tenure, the brand achieved significant domestic same-store sales growth of 9.9% in Q1 2020 and over 33% in April. Digital orders surged to nearly 65% of total sales as Wingstop adapted to COVID-19 challenges. Stacy aims to enhance digital transactions domestically and internationally as the company strives to digitize 100% of its transactions.