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Build-A-Bear (NYSE: BBW) Q1 2026 profits rise on tariff refund as guidance reset

Filing Impact
(Moderate)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. reported first-quarter fiscal 2026 total revenues of $125,270 (thousands), slightly below the prior year’s $128,395 (thousands). Net income rose to $18,299 (thousands), or $1.45 per diluted share, helped by a $7,000 (thousands) IEEPA tariff refund related mainly to fiscal 2025.

On an adjusted basis, pre-tax income declined to $16,880 (thousands) from $19,631 (thousands), and adjusted diluted EPS fell to $1.03 from $1.17. Retail gross margin improved to 64.4%, reflecting stronger profitability in the core retail business despite softer net retail sales.

The company returned $46,000 (thousands) to shareholders over the past 12 months through share repurchases and dividends, including $11,400 (thousands) of repurchases and a $2,900 (thousands) cash dividend in the quarter. It ended the period with 669 global locations and no borrowings under its revolving credit facility.

For fiscal 2026, Build-A-Bear lowered its annual revenue guidance but maintained a range above fiscal 2025’s record $529,800 (thousands) in total revenues. It now expects adjusted pre-tax income of $65,000–$71,000 (thousands), after excluding a $7,000 (thousands) tariff refund, while incorporating ongoing Section 122 tariffs and longer-range investments.

Positive

  • None.

Negative

  • Adjusted profitability and guidance pressure: Q1 adjusted pre-tax income and adjusted EBITDA both declined versus last year, and the company lowered fiscal 2026 revenue guidance, even though it still targets revenue above fiscal 2025’s record level.

Insights

Adjusted profits and 2026 revenue outlook soften despite margin strength and tariff refund.

Build-A-Bear delivered Q1 2026 revenue of $125,270 (thousands), modestly below the prior year, while net income rose to $18,299 (thousands) or $1.45 EPS, boosted by a one-time $7,000 (thousands) IEEPA tariff refund.

Underlying performance weakened: adjusted pre-tax income declined to $16,880 (thousands) and adjusted EPS to $1.03, both below last year, even as retail gross margin expanded to 64.4%. This suggests pressure from softer net retail sales and higher operating costs despite efficiency gains.

For fiscal 2026, the company lowered its revenue outlook but still targets levels above the $529,800 (thousands) achieved in fiscal 2025. It guides to adjusted pre-tax income of $65,000–$71,000 (thousands), factoring in the tariff refund, ongoing Section 122 tariffs of about $10,000 (thousands) and roughly $3,000 (thousands) of longer-range investments. Returning $46,000 (thousands) to shareholders over 12 months and ending the quarter with no revolver borrowings highlight balance sheet flexibility as the company navigates a more uncertain consumer environment.

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Q1 2026 total revenues $125,270 (thousands) 13 weeks ended May 2, 2026
Q1 2026 net income $18,299 (thousands) 13 weeks ended May 2, 2026
Q1 2026 diluted EPS $1.45 per share GAAP diluted earnings per share
Adjusted diluted EPS $1.03 per share Excludes IEEPA tariff refund, Q1 2026
IEEPA tariff refund $7,000 (thousands) Related mainly to fiscal 2025 costs
Retail gross margin 64.4% Q1 2026 retail gross margin percentage
Capital returned to shareholders $46,000 (thousands) Share repurchases and dividends over past 12 months
2026 adjusted pre-tax income outlook $65,000–$71,000 (thousands) Fiscal 2026 guidance range
non-GAAP financial measures financial
"the Company has supplemented the reporting of its financial information determined in accordance with GAAP with certain non-GAAP financial measures"
Non-GAAP financial measures are numbers companies use to show their financial performance that exclude certain expenses or income. They help investors see how the company might perform without one-time costs or other unusual items, giving a different perspective from official reports. However, since they can be adjusted, they don’t always tell the full story and should be looked at alongside standard financial figures.
IEEPA tariff refund financial
"IEEPA tariff refund related to fiscal 2025 (1)"
Adjusted EBITDA financial
"The following table provides a reconciliation of pre-tax income to Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) and Adjusted EBITDA"
Adjusted EBITDA is a way companies measure how much money they make from their core operations, like running a business, by removing certain costs or income that aren’t part of regular business activities. It helps investors see how well a company is doing without distractions from unusual expenses or gains, making it easier to compare companies or track performance over time.
retail gross margin financial
"Retail gross margin represents net retail sales less cost of merchandise sold - retail."
Retail gross margin is the percentage of each sales dollar a retailer keeps after paying for the goods sold, calculated as (sales minus cost of goods) divided by sales. It shows how much room a store has to cover operating costs and produce profit from every sale; think of it like the difference between the price you charge for a sandwich and what you paid for the bread and filling. Investors watch it to judge pricing strength, inventory cost control and basic profitability trends.
Section 122 tariffs financial
"Our outlook also reflects approximately $10 million of ongoing Section 122 tariffs and related costs"
Section 122 tariffs are temporary import duties that a government can impose when a sudden surge in foreign goods is found to be harming domestic producers, similar to a short-term umbrella that shields local manufacturers from a storm of cheaper imports. Investors care because these tariffs can raise costs for companies that rely on imported materials, boost revenue for protected domestic firms, and quickly change competitive dynamics and profit forecasts across affected industries.
Total revenues $125,270 (thousands)
Net income $18,299 (thousands)
Diluted EPS $1.45
Adjusted diluted EPS $1.03
Retail gross margin 64.4%
Guidance

For fiscal 2026, the company expects adjusted pre-tax income of $65,000–$71,000 (thousands), excluding a $7,000 (thousands) IEEPA tariff refund and including ongoing Section 122 tariffs and longer-range investments.

false 0001113809 0001113809 2026-05-28 2026-05-28
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
 
FORM 8-K
 
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 28, 2026
 
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.
-------------------------------------------------
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 
Delaware
---------------------------
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation)
001-32320
-------------------
(Commission
File Number)
43-1883836
---------------------------
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
 
415 South 18th St., St. Louis, Missouri
----------------------------------------------------
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
63103
------------------
(Zip Code)
 
(314) 423-8000
------------------------------------------
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
 
 
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
 
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
 
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
BBW
New York Stock Exchange
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
 
Emerging growth company    
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.     ☐
 
 

 
Item 2.02.         Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
 
On May 28, 2026, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release setting forth results for the Company’s 2026 fiscal quarter ended May 2, 2026.  A copy of the Company’s press release is being furnished as Exhibit 99.1 and hereby incorporated by reference.
 
 
* * * * *
 
The Company reports its financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). In the press release furnished as Exhibit 99.1 hereto, the Company has supplemented the reporting of its financial information determined in accordance with GAAP with certain non-GAAP financial measures. These results are included as a complement to results provided in accordance with GAAP because management believes these non-GAAP financial measures help identify underlying trends in the Company’s business and provide useful information to both management and investors by excluding certain items that may not be indicative of the Company’s core operating results. These measures should not be considered as a substitute for or superior to GAAP results.         
 
The information furnished in, contained, or incorporated by reference into Item 2.02 above, including Exhibit 99.1 attached hereto, is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”), as amended, or the Exchange Act, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing. In addition, this report (including Exhibit 99.1) shall not be deemed an admission as to the materiality of any information contained herein that is required to be disclosed solely as a requirement of Item 2.02.
 
This Current Report on Form 8-K and the press release attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 contain certain statements that may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. All statements in this report and in such exhibit not dealing with historical results are forward-looking and are based on various assumptions. The forward-looking statements in this report and in such exhibit are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, among other things: statements regarding the Company’s goals, intentions, and expectations; business plans and growth strategies; estimates of the Company’s risks and future costs and benefits; forecasted demographic and economic trends relating to the Company’s industry; and other risk factors referred to from time to time in filings made by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as to the date they are made. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
 
 
2

 
 
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
 
(d) Exhibits
 
 
Exhibit
Number
Description of Exhibit
   
99.1
Press Release dated May 28, 2026
   
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
 
 
 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP, INC.
Date: May 28, 2026
By:
/s/ Voin Todorovic
Name: Voin Todorovic
Title: Chief Financial Officer
 
 
3

Exhibit 99.1

 

bablogosm.jpg

 

 

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP REPORTS FIRST QUARTER FISCAL 2026 RESULTS

 

 

ST. LOUIS, MO (May 28, 2026) – Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW) today announced results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 ended May 2, 2026.

      

 

First-quarter total revenues were $125.3 million, compared to $128.4 million

 

First-quarter pre-tax income was $23.9 million, compared to $19.6 million; adjusted pre-tax income was $16.9 million1

 

First-quarter diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) totaled $1.45, compared to $1.17; adjusted EPS totaled $1.031

 

For the first quarter of 2026, the Company returned $14.2 million to shareholders through share repurchases and quarterly dividends

 

The Company updates its fiscal 2026 revenue and pre-tax income outlook, incorporating revised sales expectations and tariff refund

     

“Although there were positive highlights for the period, given a more uncertain economic environment, with consumer traffic posing a challenge, our results were lower-than-expected for the quarter. While we are taking steps to address this, our focus remains on executing the strategic initiatives designed to leverage the power of the Build-A-Bear brand as we transition to Chris Hurt’s leadership,” commented Sharon Price John, President and Chief Executive Officer of Build-A-Bear Workshop.

 

Chris Hurt, Chief Operations Officer and Chief Executive Officer-elect of Build-A-Bear Workshop, added, “Looking to the balance of the year, we remain focused on continuing to drive long-term growth by increasing the number of experience locations across the globe, including the back-half grand opening of our new multi-level store in Orlando, and expanding our wholesale business. Even with that, when reflecting on our less-than-expected first quarter direct-to-consumer performance and the overall economic environment, we have chosen to lower our annual revenue guidance, while, notably, still maintaining a range above last year’s record result. Separately, given the tariff refund, we have simultaneously increased our pre-tax outlook.”

 

Voin Todorovic, Chief Financial Officer of Build-A-Bear Workshop, concluded, “Supported by the continued strong profitability and diversification of our business, solid cash flow generation and disciplined capital allocation enabled us to return $46 million to shareholders over the past 12 months through share repurchases and quarterly dividends, including over $14 million in the first quarter.”

 


1 See supplemental schedules for additional information, including the GAAP and Non-GAAP reconciliations.

 

 

 

First Quarter Fiscal 2026 Results

(13 weeks ended May 2, 2026, compared to the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2025)

 

Total revenues were $125.3 million and decreased 2.4%

 

 

Net retail sales were $113.5 million and decreased 5.1%

 

Consolidated e-commerce demand (online orders fulfilled from either the Company’s warehouses or its stores) decreased 26.1%

 

Commercial and international franchise revenues were a combined $11.8 million and increased 34.1%

 

Pre-tax income was $23.9 million, or 19.0% of total revenues, compared to $19.6 million, or 15.3% of total revenues, in the prior-year quarter. The 370-basis point increase in pre-tax margin reflects a 700-basis-point increase in gross margin, including a 560 basis-point benefit from the $7 million International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) tariff refund related to prior fiscal year costs, with the remaining 140-basis-points primarily driven by selective price increases, and deleverage from higher occupancy costs. These gains were partially offset by a 310-basis-point increase in selling, general, and administrative expense (“SG&A”), mainly from higher total compensation costs, general inflationary pressures, and longer-range investments, as well as lower interest income. Excluding the $7 million tariff refund related to prior fiscal year costs, adjusted pre-tax income was $16.9 million,1 or 13.5% of revenue.

 

Diluted EPS of $1.45, compared with $1.17, reflecting higher pre-tax income and a lower share count, partially offset by a higher income tax rate. Excluding the $7 million impact from the tariff refund related to prior fiscal year costs, adjusted EPS totaled $1.03.1 

 

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) was $27.8 million, increased by 20.2%, and represented 22.2% of total revenues. Excluding the $7 million impact from the tariff refund related to prior fiscal year costs, adjusted EBITDA was $20.8 million, representing 16.6% of total revenues.1

 

 

Store Activity

For the quarter, the Company delivered net new unit growth of seven global experience locations, comprised of one corporately-managed location, three partner-operated locations, and three franchise locations. At the end of the quarter, Build-A-Bear had 669 global locations, comprised of 376 corporately-managed locations, 181 partner-operated locations, and 112 franchise locations.

 

Balance Sheet

At the end of the first quarter, cash and cash equivalents totaled $26.2 million, a decrease of $18.1 million, or 40.9%, compared to $44.3 million at the end of the first quarter last year. The Company finished the quarter with no borrowings under its revolving credit facility.

 

 

 

Inventory at quarter end was $77.8 million, an increase of $5.6 million, or 7.7%, mainly driven by tariffs, as well as inventory levels required to support expected increases in sales activity. The Company remains comfortable with the level and composition of its inventory. 

 

For the first quarter, capital expenditures totaled $6.9 million, compared to $2.9 million last year.

 

Return of Capital to Shareholders

For the first quarter, the Company utilized $11.4 million in cash to repurchase 248,118 shares of common stock and paid shareholders a $2.9 million quarterly cash dividend.

 

Since the end of the first quarter through May 27, the Company has utilized $3.3 million in cash to repurchase an additional 89,966 shares of its common stock. The Company has $47.0 million remaining under the board-authorized $100.0 million stock repurchase program adopted on September 11, 2024.

 

2026 Outlook

The Company updates its 2026 outlook, decreasing revenue and revising pre-tax income guidance.

 

Specifically, for fiscal 2026 the Company now expects:

 

Total revenue of $530 million to $550 million

Pre-tax income of $72 million to $78 million

 

This updated pre-tax income outlook reflects an approximately $13 million IEEPA tariff refund, partially offset by lower-than-expected operating performance. Excluding the approximately $7 million impact from the tariff refund related to prior fiscal year costs, for fiscal 2026 the Company expects adjusted pre-tax income of $65 million to $71 million.1

 

Our outlook also reflects approximately $10 million of ongoing Section 122 tariffs and related costs, assuming the current 10% tariff rate remains in effect for the balance of the year, as well as approximately $3 million in longer-range investments.

 

In addition, for fiscal 2026, the Company continues to expect:

 

Net new unit growth of at least 50 experience locations through a combination of corporately-managed, partner-operated, and franchise business models

Commercial revenue growth of at least 20%

Capital expenditures of $22 million to $25 million

Depreciation and amortization to approximate $16 million

Income tax rate to approximate 24%, excluding discrete items

 

The Company’s outlook considers various factors, including tariffs, labor costs, changes in freight expense, and ongoing inflationary challenges. Separately, the Company’s outlook does not contemplate any further material changes in the geopolitical environment, macroeconomic conditions, relevant foreign currency exchange rates, or tariffs, including the timing and amount of tariff refund recoveries.

 

 

 

Note Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In this press release, the Company’s financial results are provided in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and using certain non-GAAP financial measures. In particular, the Company provides historic income adjusted to exclude certain costs, which are non-GAAP financial measures. These results are included as a complement to results provided in accordance with GAAP because management believes these non-GAAP financial measures help identify underlying trends in the Company’s business and provide useful information to both management and investors by excluding certain items that may not be indicative of the Company’s core operating results. These measures should not be considered a substitute for or superior to GAAP results. These non-GAAP financial measures are defined and reconciled to the most comparable GAAP measure later in this document. 

 

Webcast and Conference Call Information

Today, at 9:00 a.m. ET, Build-A-Bear Workshop will host a conference call with investors and financial analysts to discuss its financial results. The call will be webcast on Build-A-Bear’s Investor Relations website at https://IR.buildabear.com.

 

The dial-in number for the live conference call is (201) 493-6780 (toll/international) or (877) 407-3982 (toll-free). The access code is Build-A-Bear. The live Internet broadcast may be accessed at https://IR.buildabear.com. The call is expected to conclude by 10:00 a.m. ET.

 

A replay of the conference call webcast will be available on the investor relations website for one year. A telephone replay will be available from approximately 1:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 28, 2026, until 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 18, 2026, and can be accessed by calling (412) 317-6671 (toll/international) or (844) 512-2921 (toll-free). The access code is 13759998.

 

About Build-A-Bear

Founded in 1997, Build‑A‑Bear is a leading global retailtainment brand on a mission to add a little more heart to life. At Build-A-Bear, guests are invited to create personalized furry friends through a unique stuffing, dressing, accessorizing and naming process, accentuated by a memorable "heart ceremony" that creates moments of connection for people of all ages.

 

Over the years, Build‑A‑Bear has grown into a multi‑generational phenomenon, positioned at the intersection of pop‑culture trends. Beyond its signature retail experience, the brand also offers pre‑stuffed plush, gifting, partnerships with best‑in‑class licensed and collectible characters, and original storytelling through Build‑A‑Bear Entertainment, LLC. Build‑A‑Bear’s current brand platform and message, “The Stuff You Love,” crosses ages and cultures while celebrating nearly 30 years of helping people mark life’s meaningful moments.

 

Today, Build‑A‑Bear operates more than 650 company-owned, partner-operated, and franchise experience locations across more than 30 countries, complemented by buildabear.com. Build‑A‑Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW) reported $529.8 million in total revenues for fiscal 2025, representing the Company's 5th consecutive year of record results. Learn more at the Investor Relations section of buildabear.com.    

 

 

 

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain statements that are, or may be considered to be, “forward-looking statements” for the purpose of federal securities laws, including, but not limited to, statements that reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. We generally identify these statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “might,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend,” “predict,” “future,” “potential” or “continue,” the negative or any derivative of these terms and other comparable terminology. All the information concerning our future liquidity, future revenues, margins and other future financial performance and results, achievement of operating of financial plans or forecasts for future periods, sources and availability of credit and liquidity, future cash flows and cash needs, success and results of strategic initiatives and other future financial performance or financial position, as well as our assumptions underlying such information, constitute forward-looking information. 

 

These statements are based only on our current expectations and projections about future events. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including those factors discussed under the captions entitled “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on April 16, 2026, and other periodic reports filed with the SEC which are incorporated herein. 

 

All our forward-looking statements are as of the date of this Press Release only. In each case, actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking information. We can give no assurance that such expectations or forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. An occurrence of or any material adverse change in one or more of the risk factors or other risks and uncertainties referred to in this Press Release or included in our other public disclosures or our other periodic reports or other documents or filings filed with or furnished to the SEC could materially and adversely affect our continuing operations and our future financial results, cash flows, available credit, prospects, and liquidity. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 

 

All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.  

 

Investor Relations Contact                   

Gary Schnierow, Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Finance 

garys@buildabear.com

 

Media Relations Contact

pr@buildabear.com

 

###

 

 

 

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

   

13 Weeks

           

13 Weeks

         
   

Ended

           

Ended

         
   

May 2,

   

% of Total

   

May 3,

   

% of Total

 
   

2026

   

Revenues (1)

   

2025

   

Revenues (1)

 

Revenues:

                               

Net retail sales

  $ 113,466       90.6     $ 119,589       93.1  

Commercial revenue

    10,948       8.7       7,623       5.9  

International franchising revenue

    856       0.7       1,183       1.0  

Total revenues

    125,270       100.0       128,395       100.0  

Costs and expenses:

                               

Cost of merchandise sold - retail (1)

    40,338       35.6       51,571       43.1  

Cost of merchandise sold - commercial (1)

    4,419       40.4       3,014       39.5  

Cost of merchandise sold - international franchising (1)

    641       74.9       824       69.7  
Total cost of merchandise sold     45,398       36.2       55,409       43.2  

Consolidated gross profit

    79,872       63.8       72,986       56.8  
                                 

Selling, general and administrative expense

    56,126       44.8       53,555       41.7  

Interest expense (income), net

    (134 )     (0.1 )     (200 )     (0.2 )

Income before income taxes

    23,880       19.1       19,631       15.3  

Income tax expense

    5,581       4.5       4,312       3.4  

Net income

  $ 18,299       14.6     $ 15,319       11.9  
                                 

Income per common share:

                               

Basic

  $ 1.45             $ 1.17          

Diluted

  $ 1.45             $ 1.17          

Shares used in computing common per share amounts:

                               

Basic

    12,584,388               13,080,301          

Diluted

    12,638,710               13,144,243          

 

 

(1)

Selected statement of operations data expressed as a percentage of total revenues, except cost of merchandise sold - retail, cost of merchandise sold - commercial and cost of merchandise sold - international franchising that are expressed as a percentage of net retail sales, commercial revenue and international franchising revenue, respectively.  Percentages will not total due to cost of merchandise sold being expressed as a percentage of net retail sales, commercial revenue or international franchising revenue and immaterial rounding.

 

 

 

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

   

May 2,

   

January 31,

   

May 3,

 
   

2026

   

2026

   

2025

 

ASSETS

                       

Current assets:

                       

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

  $ 26,247     $ 26,755     $ 44,342  

Inventories, net

    77,806       82,203       72,299  

Receivables, net

    31,630       21,459       13,800  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    12,149       9,603       12,156  

Total current assets

    147,832       140,020       142,597  
                         

Operating lease right-of-use asset

  $ 119,622       121,129       92,699  

Property and equipment, net

    73,778       70,926       59,260  

Deferred tax assets

    7,243       7,370       7,667  

Other assets, net

    5,610       6,008       6,080  

Total Assets

  $ 354,085     $ 345,453     $ 308,303  
                         

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

                       

Current liabilities:

                       

Accounts payable

    15,994     $ 15,318     $ 15,890  

Accrued expenses

    33,932       26,104       24,273  

Operating lease liability short term

    28,276       28,651       26,507  

Gift cards and customer deposits

    14,260       15,289       14,851  

Deferred revenue and other

    4,142       5,264       3,830  

Total current liabilities

    96,604       90,626       85,351  
                         

Operating lease liability long term

    97,414       98,647       72,957  

Other long-term liabilities

    1,048       1,152       1,313  
                         

Stockholders' equity:

                       

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share

    126       128       132  

Additional paid-in capital

    59,919       60,821       61,602  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (10,939 )     (10,760 )     (11,295 )

Retained earnings

    109,913       104,839       98,243  

Total stockholders' equity

    159,019       155,028       148,682  

Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

  $ 354,085     $ 345,453     $ 308,303  

 

 

 

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Unaudited Selected Financial and Store Data

(dollars in thousands)

 

   

13 Weeks

   

13 Weeks

 
   

Ended

   

Ended

 
   

May 2,

   

May 3,

 
   

2026

   

2025

 
                 

Other financial data:

               
                 

Retail gross margin ($) (1)

  $ 73,128     $ 68,018  

Retail gross margin (%) (1)

    64.4 %     56.9 %

Capital expenditures (2)

  $ 6,869     $ 2,907  

Depreciation and amortization

  $ 4,002     $ 3,700  
                 

Store data (3):

               

Number of corporately-managed retail locations at end of period

         

North America

    334       328  

Europe

    42       41  

Total corporately-managed retail locations

    376       369  
                 

Number of franchise stores at end of period

    112       96  
                 

Number of third-party retail locations at end of period

    181       148  
                 

Corporately-managed store square footage at end of period (4)

         

North America

    748,434       733,675  

Europe

    58,166       57,015  

Total square footage

    806,600       790,690  

 

(1)

Retail gross margin represents net retail sales less cost of merchandise sold - retail.  Retail gross margin percentage represents retail gross margin divided by net retail sales. Store impairment is excluded from retail gross margin.

   

(2)

Capital expenditures represents cash paid for property, equipment, and other assets. 

   

(3)

Excludes e-commerce. North American stores are located in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. In Europe, stores are located in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Seasonal locations not included in store count.

   

(4)

Square footage for stores located in North America is leased square footage.  Square footage for stores located in Europe is estimated selling square footage. Seasonal locations not included in the store count.

 

 

 

* Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP figures

(dollars in thousands except per share data)

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of pre-tax income to adjusted pre-tax income for the periods indicated:

 

   

13 Weeks

   

13 Weeks

 
   

Ended

   

Ended

 
   

May 2,

   

May 3,

 
   

2026

   

2025

 

Income before income taxes (pre-tax)

  $ 23,880     $ 19,631  

IEEPA tariff refund related to fiscal 2025(1)

    (7,000 )     -  

Adjusted income before income taxes (pre-tax)

  $ 16,880     $ 19,631  

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of net income to adjusted net income and net income per diluted share to adjusted net income per diluted share for the periods indicated:

 

   

13 Weeks

   

13 Weeks

 
   

Ended

   

Ended

 
   

May 2,

   

May 3,

 
   

2026

   

2025

 

Net income

  $ 18,299     $ 15,319  

IEEPA tariff refund related to fiscal 2025, tax affected(2)

    (5,338 )     -  

Adjusted net income

  $ 12,961     $ 15,319  
                 

Net income per diluted share (EPS)

    1.45       1.17  
                 

Adjusted net income per diluted share (adjusted EPS)

    1.03       1.17  

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of pre-tax income to Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) and Adjusted EBITDA for the periods indicated:

 

   

13 Weeks

   

13 Weeks

 
   

Ended

   

Ended

 
   

May 2,

   

May 3,

 
   

2026

   

2025

 

Income before income taxes (pre-tax)

  $ 23,880     $ 19,631  

Interest (income) expense, net

    (134 )     (200 )

Depreciation and amortization expense

    4,002       3,700  

EBITDA

  $ 27,748     $ 23,131  

Adjustments to EBITDA

               

IEEPA tariff refund related to fiscal 2025(1)

    (7,000 )     -  

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 20,748     $ 23,131  

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of fiscal 2026 pre-tax income outlook to Adjusted pre-tax income outlook:

 

   

Fiscal 2026 outlook

 

Income before income taxes (pre-tax)

  $ 72,000     $ 78,000  

IEEPA tariff refund related to fiscal 2025(1)

    (7,000 )     (7,000 )

Adjusted income before income taxes (pre-tax)

  $ 65,000     $ 71,000  

 

(1)

Relates to tariff refund attributable mainly to the second half of fiscal 2025

(2)

Relates to tariff refund attributable mainly to the second half of fiscal 2025 net of income tax effect

 

 

FAQ

How did Build-A-Bear Workshop (BBW) perform in Q1 2026?

Build-A-Bear reported Q1 2026 total revenues of $125,270 (thousands), slightly below $128,395 (thousands) last year. Net income increased to $18,299 (thousands), or $1.45 per diluted share, aided by a tariff refund, while adjusted profitability measures declined year over year.

What were Build-A-Bear Workshop’s (BBW) Q1 2026 earnings per share?

Build-A-Bear earned $1.45 in diluted EPS for Q1 2026, up from $1.17 a year earlier. Adjusted diluted EPS, which excludes the IEEPA tariff refund, was $1.03, down from $1.17, highlighting weaker underlying profitability despite the reported GAAP earnings increase.

How did Build-A-Bear Workshop’s (BBW) margins change in Q1 2026?

Retail gross margin improved to 64.4% in Q1 2026 from 56.9% a year earlier, reflecting stronger profitability on retail sales. Consolidated gross profit was $79,872 (thousands), or 63.8% of total revenues, compared with 56.8% in the prior-year quarter.

What is Build-A-Bear Workshop’s (BBW) fiscal 2026 earnings outlook?

For fiscal 2026, Build-A-Bear expects adjusted pre-tax income between $65,000 and $71,000 (thousands) after excluding a $7,000 (thousands) tariff refund. This guidance incorporates approximately $10,000 (thousands) in ongoing Section 122 tariffs and about $3,000 (thousands) in longer-range investments.

How much capital is Build-A-Bear Workshop (BBW) returning to shareholders?

Over the past 12 months, Build-A-Bear returned $46,000 (thousands) to shareholders through share repurchases and quarterly dividends. In Q1 2026 alone, it repurchased 248,118 shares for $11,400 (thousands) and paid a $2,900 (thousands) cash dividend, with $47,000 (thousands) remaining under its repurchase program.

What is Build-A-Bear Workshop’s (BBW) store footprint after Q1 2026?

At the end of Q1 2026, Build-A-Bear operated 669 global locations, including 376 corporately-managed stores, 181 partner-operated locations, and 112 franchise stores. The company added a net seven global experience locations during the quarter across corporate, partner, and franchise formats.

How did tariffs affect Build-A-Bear Workshop (BBW) in Q1 2026 and its outlook?

In Q1 2026, Build-A-Bear recognized a $7,000 (thousands) IEEPA tariff refund related mainly to fiscal 2025, boosting reported earnings. For fiscal 2026, guidance assumes approximately $10,000 (thousands) in ongoing Section 122 tariffs and related costs under a 10% tariff rate.

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