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Build-A-Bear (NYSE: BBW) cuts forecast as growth chief exits

(Moderate)
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP INC (BBW) reported softer results for the fiscal second quarter ended August 1, 2026 and reduced its full-year outlook, while remaining profitable and continuing substantial capital returns. Second-quarter total revenues were $115.3 million, down from $124.2 million a year earlier, with pre-tax income of $11.6 million versus $15.3 million, and diluted EPS of $0.70 versus $0.94. For the first half of 2026, total revenues were $240.6 million, down 4.8%, but pre-tax income rose to $35.5 million, or 14.8% of revenues, from $34.9 million, or 13.8%, and diluted EPS increased to $2.16 from $2.11, helped by higher pre-tax income and a lower share count, partially offset by a higher tax rate.

The company returned $22.7 million to shareholders in the first half through buybacks and dividends and $49 million over the past 12 months. It lowered its fiscal 2026 revenue outlook to $500–$525 million and pre-tax income outlook to $60–$68 million, including an approximately $13 million IEEPA tariff refund and adjusted pre-tax income of $53–$61 million. Cash and equivalents were $14.0 million at quarter end with no borrowings under its revolver, and inventory was $81.1 million. The company also terminated Chief Growth Officer David Henderson without cause, granting severance and related benefits while forfeiting his unvested equity awards.

Positive

  • First-half profitability improved: pre-tax income rose to $35.5 million, or 14.8% of revenues, from $34.9 million, or 13.8%, and diluted EPS increased to $2.16 from $2.11.
  • Strong capital return: over the past 12 months the company returned $49 million to shareholders via buybacks and dividends, including $22.7 million in the first half of fiscal 2026.
  • No balance sheet debt: the company ended the second quarter with $14.0 million in cash and cash equivalents and no borrowings under its revolving credit facility.
  • IEEPA tariff refund supports 2026 results: the outlook includes an approximately $13 million IEEPA tariff refund related mainly to the second half of fiscal 2025.

Negative

  • Second-quarter performance declined: revenues fell to $115.3 million from $124.2 million, pre-tax income to $11.6 million from $15.3 million, and diluted EPS to $0.70 from $0.94.
  • Adjusted first-half earnings weakened: adjusted pre-tax income dropped to $28.5 million from $34.9 million, and adjusted diluted EPS to $1.73 from $2.11.
  • 2026 outlook lowered: the company reduced its fiscal 2026 revenue outlook to $500–$525 million and pre-tax income outlook to $60–$68 million, with adjusted pre-tax income expected at $53–$61 million.
  • Cash balance declined sharply: cash and equivalents were $14.0 million, down $25.1 million, or 64.2%, from $39.1 million at the end of the prior-year second quarter, primarily due to share repurchases and capital expenditures.
  • Key executive departure: Chief Growth Officer David Henderson’s employment was terminated without cause, with unvested restricted stock and long-term performance-based cash awards forfeited.

Filing Explained

The termination is effective, but payment requires a signed agreement within 21 days: $501,500 severance, $31,723.92 health coverage, and a prorated bonus.

The filing reports that Build-A-Bear Workshop terminated Chief Growth Officer David Henderson without cause, effective August 26, 2026; the separation agreement has been presented but its benefits remain conditional.

If he signs it within 21 days and complies with its restrictions, the stated package includes $501,500 in cash severance paid over 12 months, a $31,723.92 lump-sum health-plan payment, and a prorated 2026 bonus based on actual performance.

Unvested restricted stock and outstanding long-term performance-based cash incentive awards are forfeited, while the agreement also provides a general release, confidentiality, and one-year noncompete and nonsolicitation restrictions.

Separately, through August 26, 2026, the company repurchased $1.5 million of stock after the second quarter, buying 39,122 shares; $43.2 million remains under the $100.0 million board-authorized program.

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers Governance
Key personnel changes including departures, elections, or appointments of directors and executive officers.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, or exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Q2 2026 Total revenues $115.3 million Second quarter of fiscal 2026 versus $124.2 million in Q2 2025
Q2 2026 Diluted EPS $0.70 Second quarter of fiscal 2026 versus $0.94 in Q2 2025
First-half 2026 Total revenues $240.6 million 26 weeks ended August 1, 2026; down 4.8% from the prior-year first half
First-half 2026 Pre-tax income $35.5 million 14.8% of total revenues versus $34.9 million, or 13.8%, in the prior-year first half
IEEPA tariff refund in 2026 outlook $13 million Included in fiscal 2026 pre-tax income outlook; mainly related to the second half of fiscal 2025
Cash and cash equivalents $14.0 million End of Q2 2026; down $25.1 million, or 64.2%, from $39.1 million a year earlier
Share repurchases H1 2026 $17.1 million and 403,236 shares Cash used and shares repurchased in the first half of fiscal 2026
Fiscal 2026 Adjusted pre-tax income outlook $53–$61 million Outlook range after excluding $7 million IEEPA tariff refund from pre-tax income of $60–$68 million
IEEPA tariff refund financial
"This pre-tax income outlook reflects an approximately $13 million IEEPA tariff refund"
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.
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.
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.
revolving credit facility financial
"The Company finished the quarter with no borrowings under its revolving credit facility"
A revolving credit facility is a type of loan that a business can borrow from whenever it needs money, up to a set limit. It’s like having a credit card for companies—allowing them to borrow, pay back, and borrow again as needed, providing flexibility for managing cash flow or funding short-term expenses.
forward-looking statements regulatory
"This press release contains certain statements that are, or may be considered to be, “forward-looking statements”"
Forward-looking statements are predictions or plans that companies share about what they expect to happen in the future, like estimating sales or profits. They matter because they help investors understand a company's outlook, but since they are based on guesses and assumptions, they can sometimes be wrong.
Q2 2026 Total revenues $115.3 million Down from $124.2 million in Q2 2025
Q2 2026 Diluted EPS $0.70 Down from $0.94 in Q2 2025
First-half 2026 Total revenues $240.6 million Decrease of 4.8% from the first half of the prior year
First-half 2026 Pre-tax income margin 14.8% of total revenues Up from 13.8% in the first half of the prior year
First-half 2026 Adjusted pre-tax income $28.5 million Down from $34.9 million in the prior-year first half
Fiscal 2026 Revenue outlook $500–$525 million Lowered from prior expectations (prior level not stated)
Guidance

For fiscal 2026, the company expects total revenues of $500–$525 million and pre-tax income of $60–$68 million, including an approximately $13 million IEEPA tariff refund, implying adjusted pre-tax income of $53–$61 million.

FAQ

How did BBW perform in the second quarter of fiscal 2026?

Build-A-Bear Workshop reported $115.3 million in total revenues, down from $124.2 million a year ago. Pre-tax income was $11.6 million versus $15.3 million, and diluted EPS was $0.70 compared to $0.94, reflecting lower sales and margins.

What were BBW’s first-half fiscal 2026 results?

For the first half of fiscal 2026, BBW generated $240.6 million in revenues, down 4.8% year over year. Pre-tax income was $35.5 million, or 14.8% of revenues, compared to $34.9 million, or 13.8%. Diluted EPS increased to $2.16 from $2.11.

What guidance did BBW give for fiscal 2026?

BBW lowered its fiscal 2026 revenue outlook to $500–$525 million and its pre-tax income outlook to $60–$68 million. This includes an approximately $13 million IEEPA tariff refund and implies adjusted pre-tax income of $53–$61 million.

How much capital is BBW returning to shareholders?

Over the past 12 months, BBW returned $49 million to shareholders through share repurchases and quarterly dividends. In the first half of fiscal 2026 alone, it used $17.1 million for repurchases and paid $5.8 million in dividends.

What is BBW’s current cash and debt position?

At the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2026, BBW had $14.0 million in cash and cash equivalents and finished the quarter with no borrowings under its revolving credit facility, indicating no reported balance on that line of credit.

What happened with BBW’s Chief Growth Officer David Henderson?

On August 26, 2026, BBW terminated Chief Growth Officer David Henderson’s employment without cause. He is eligible for $501,500 in severance over 12 months, a $31,723.92 lump-sum benefits payment, and a prorated 2026 bonus, while unvested equity and performance awards are forfeited.

How many stores does BBW operate globally after Q2 2026?

At the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2026, Build-A-Bear had 674 global locations, including 379 corporately managed locations, 177 partner-operated locations, and 118 franchise locations worldwide.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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Learn about SEC filing dates
false 0001113809 0001113809 2026-08-26 2026-08-26
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): August 26, 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. LouisMissouri
----------------------------------------------------
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
63103
------------------
(Zip Code)
 
(314423-8000
------------------------------------------
(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 August 27, 2026, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release setting forth results for the Company’s 2026 fiscal quarter ended August 1, 2026.  
 
The Company reported that for the second quarter of 2026, total revenues were $115.3 million, compared to $124.2 million in the second quarter of 2026, pre-tax income was $11.6 million, compared to $15.3 million in the second quarter of 2026, and second-quarter diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) totaled $0.70, compared to $0.94 in the second quarter of 2026.
 
For the first half of the year, total revenues were $240.6 million, a decrease of 4.8% from the first half of the prior year, pre-tax income was $35.5 million, or 14.8% of total revenues, compared to $34.9 million, or 13.8% of total revenues for the first half of the prior year, and diluted EPS totaled $2.16, compared to $2.11, reflecting higher pre-tax income and a reduction in share count, partially offset by a higher tax rate.
 
For the first half of fiscal 2026, the Company returned $22.7 million to shareholders through share repurchases and quarterly dividends. The Company updates its fiscal 2026 expectations, including lowering its revenue outlook to a range of $500 million to $525 million and its pre-tax income outlook to a range of $60 million to $68 million.
 
A copy of the Company’s press release is being furnished as Exhibit 99.1 and hereby incorporated by reference.
 
Item 5.02.
Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
 
On August 26, 2026, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (the “Company”) terminated the employment of David Henderson, Chief Growth Officer, without cause, effective as August 26, 2026 (the “Termination Date”). Accordingly, the Amended and Restated Employment, Confidentiality and Noncompete Agreement, effective as of June 11, 2026, by and between Mr. Henderson and the Company, was terminated as of the same date.
 
In connection with the termination of his employment, the Company presented Mr. Henderson with a form of a Separation and Release Agreement (the “Separation Agreement”) pursuant to which Mr. Henderson will be entitled to receive the following payments and benefits in accordance with the existing terms of his previously disclosed arrangements with the Company: (i) a cash severance payment equal to $501,500, payable in equal installments for a period of 12 months, commencing 30 days after the Termination Date; (ii) a lump sum cash payment equal to $31,723.92, payable within 30 days after the Termination Date, which represents 18 times the monthly amount that the Company was paying as the employer contribution toward coverage under the Company’s health, dental and vision plans as of the Termination Date for Mr. Henderson and his family; and (iii) payment of the prorated portion of any bonus due to him under the Company’s 2026 bonus plan for its executive officers based on actual performance for fiscal 2026, payable at the time any such bonus would have been paid had Mr. Henderson’s employment continued. All shares of Mr. Henderson’s restricted stock and any outstanding long-term performance-based cash incentive awards which had not vested on the date of the Termination Date will be forfeited in accordance with the terms of the applicable long-term incentive compensation program, as previously disclosed by the Company. Consistent with the existing terms of his previously disclosed arrangements with the Company, the Separation Agreement includes a general release of claims in favor of the Company, and Mr. Henderson has agreed to keep Company information confidential, and to certain non-compete and non-solicitation restrictions for one year following the Termination Date. The above-described benefits are conditioned on Mr. Henderson’s execution of the Separation Agreement within 21 days of the Termination Date and continued compliance with the restrictive covenant obligations.
 
2

 
The foregoing description of the Separation Agreement is only a summary of certain terms and conditions of this document and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Form of Separation Agreement, which has been filed with this Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.1 and which is incorporated by reference herein.
 
* * * * *
 
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.
 
3

 
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits.
 
(d) Exhibits
 
 
Exhibit 
Number
Description of Exhibit
 
 
10.1
Form of Separation and Release Agreement by and between David Henderson and Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.
 
 
99.1
Press Release dated August 27, 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: August 27, 2026
By:
/s/ Voin Todorovic
 
 
Name: Voin Todorovic
 
 
Title: Chief Financial Officer
 
 
4

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

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

 

 

ST. LOUIS, MO (August 27, 2026) – Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW) today announced results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2026 ended August 1, 2026.

 

 

Second-quarter total revenues were $115.3 million, compared to $124.2 million

 

Second-quarter pre-tax income was $11.6 million, compared to $15.3 million

 

Second-quarter diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) totaled $0.70, compared to $0.94

 

For the first half of fiscal 2026, the Company returned $22.7 million to shareholders through share repurchases and quarterly dividends

 

The Company updates its fiscal 2026 expectations, including lowering its revenue outlook to a range of $500 million to $525 million and its pre-tax income outlook to a range of $60 million to $68 million

 

"While we expected fiscal 2026 to be back-half weighted, second-quarter results fell short of our expectations, and certain wholesale opportunities may take longer to realize than previously anticipated. Accordingly, we have moderated our outlook for the balance of the year. That said, we continue to execute against our long-term strategic growth initiatives, including the planned acceleration in experience location openings during the remainder of the year. We also look forward to the upcoming grand opening of our new, highly immersive, multi-level, largest retail-tainment destination at ICON Park in Orlando, which will showcase an elevated expression of the Build-A-Bear experience," commented Chris Hurt, Chief Executive Officer of Build-A-Bear Workshop.

 

Voin Todorovic, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Build-A-Bear Workshop, concluded, “Our continued strong profitability and disciplined capital allocation drove the return of $49 million to shareholders over the past 12 months through share repurchases and quarterly dividends, including almost $23 million in the first half of this year. Looking ahead, we expect cash generation to increase through the remainder of the year, supported by continued profitability, prudent expense management, and the timing of capital expenditures.”

 


 

Second Quarter Fiscal 2026 Results

(13 weeks ended August 1, 2026, compared to the 13 weeks ended August 2, 2025)

 

Total revenues were $115.3 million and decreased 7.2%

 

 

Net retail sales were $106.5 million and decreased 7.1%

 

Consolidated e-commerce demand (online orders fulfilled from either the Company’s warehouses or its stores) decreased 15.6%

 

Commercial and international franchise revenues were a combined $8.8 million and decreased 9.0%

 

Pre-tax income was $11.6 million, or 10.1% of total revenues, compared to $15.3 million, or 12.3% of total revenues. The Company incurred approximately $1 million in tariffs and related costs during both periods. The 220-basis-point decrease in pre-tax margin reflects a 340-basis-point decrease in gross margin due to occupancy cost deleverage and increased promotional activity, partially offset by a 80-basis-point decrease in selling, general, and administrative expense (“SG&A”), driven mainly by lower incentive compensation expense, as well as higher interest income.

 

Diluted EPS totaled $0.70, compared to $0.94, reflecting lower pre-tax income and a higher tax rate, partially offset by a reduction in share count.

 

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) was $15.2 million, or 13.2% of total revenues, compared to $18.8 million, or 15.1% of total revenues.

 

First Half Fiscal 2026 Results

(26 weeks ended August 1, 2026, compared to the 26 weeks ended August 2, 2025)

 

Total revenues were $240.6 million and decreased 4.8%.

 

 

o

Net retail sales were $220.0 million and decreased 6.1%.

 

o

Consolidated e-commerce demand (online orders fulfilled from either the Company’s warehouses or its stores) decreased 21.2%.

 

o

Commercial and international franchise revenues were a combined $20.6 million and increased 11.6%.

 

Pre-tax income was $35.5 million, or 14.8% of total revenues, compared to $34.9 million, or 13.8% of total revenues. The Company incurred approximately $1.5 million in tariffs and related costs, compared to approximately $1.0 million in the prior-year period. The 100-basis-point increase in pre-tax margin reflects a 200-basis-point increase in gross margin, including a 330-basis-point benefit from the $7 million International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) tariff refund related to prior fiscal year costs, partially offset by more recently imposed tariffs, increased promotional activity, and occupancy cost deleverage, and a 120-basis-point increase in SG&A expense, driven mainly by higher store-level compensation expense, general inflationary pressures, and longer-term investments, partially offset by lower incentive compensation expense, as well as higher interest income. Excluding the $7 million tariff refund related to prior fiscal year costs, adjusted pre-tax income was $28.5 million, or 11.9% of total revenues. 1 

 

Diluted EPS totaled $2.16, compared to $2.11, reflecting higher pre-tax income and a reduction in share count, partially offset by a higher tax rate. Excluding the $7 million impact from the tariff refund related to prior fiscal year costs, adjusted EPS totaled $1.73. 1

 

EBITDA was $42.9 million, or 17.8% of total revenues, compared to $41.9 million, or 16.6% of total revenues. Excluding the $7 million impact from the tariff refund related to prior fiscal year costs, adjusted EBITDA was $35.9 million, representing 14.9% of total revenues. 1

 


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

 


 

Store Activity

For the quarter, the Company delivered net new unit growth of five global experience locations, reflecting three corporately-managed locations, six franchise locations, and partially offset by a net decline of four partner-operated locations. At the end of the quarter, Build-A-Bear had 674 global locations, comprised of 379 corporately-managed locations, 177 partner-operated locations, and 118 franchise locations.

 

Balance Sheet

At the end of the second quarter, cash and cash equivalents totaled $14.0 million, a decrease of $25.1 million, or 64.2%, from $39.1 million at the end of the second quarter last year, primarily driven by share repurchases and the timing of capital expenditures. The Company finished the quarter with no borrowings under its revolving credit facility.

 

Inventory at quarter end was $81.1 million, a decrease of $0.6 million, or 0.8%. The Company remains comfortable with the level and composition of its inventory. 

 

For the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2026, capital expenditures totaled $8.6 million and $15.4 million, respectively, compared to $3.4 million and $6.3 million last year.

 

Return of Capital to Shareholders

For the second quarter, the Company utilized $5.6 million in cash to repurchase 155,118 shares of common stock and paid shareholders a $2.9 million quarterly cash dividend. For the first half of fiscal 2026, the Company utilized $17.1 million in cash to repurchase 403,236 shares of its common stock and paid $5.8 million in quarterly cash dividends to shareholders.

 

Since the end of the second quarter through August 26, the Company has utilized $1.5 million in cash to repurchase an additional 39,122 shares of its common stock. The Company has $43.2 million remaining under the board-authorized $100.0 million stock repurchase program adopted on September 11, 2024.

 

2026 Outlook

The Company lowers its fiscal 2026 outlook. Specifically, the Company now expects:

 

Total revenues of $500 million to $525 million

Pre-tax income of $60 million to $68 million

 

This pre-tax income outlook reflects an approximately $13 million IEEPA tariff refund. Excluding the approximately $7 million impact related to prior-year costs, the Company expects adjusted pre-tax income of $53 million to $61 million for fiscal 2026.1  

 

The outlook also reflects $10 million to $11 million of ongoing tariffs and related costs, based on the current 12.5% tariff rate, as well as approximately $3 million in longer-term investments.

 


 

Additionally, the Company now expects:

 

Commercial revenue to be approximately flat compared to fiscal 2025

Capital expenditures of approximately $25 million 

Depreciation and amortization of approximately $17 million

 

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

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.

 

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, August 27, 2026, until 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, September 17, 2026, and can be accessed by calling (412) 317-6671 (toll/international) or (844) 512-2921 (toll-free). The access code is 13761631.

 

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 or 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

August 1,

% of Total

August 2,

% of Total

2026

Revenues (1)

2025

Revenues (1)

Revenues:

Net retail sales

$

106,544

92.4

$

114,635

92.3

Commercial revenue

8,086

7.0

8,629

6.9

International franchising

661

0.6

983

0.8

Total revenues

115,291

100.0

124,247

100.0

Cost of merchandise sold:

Cost of merchandise sold - retail (1)

48,982

46.0

48,552

42.4

Cost of merchandise sold - commercial (1)

3,383

41.8

3,419

39.6

Cost of merchandise sold - international franchising (1)

437

66.1

765

77.8

Total cost of merchandise sold

52,802

45.8

52,736

42.4

Consolidated gross profit

62,489

54.2

71,511

57.6

Selling, general and administrative expense

51,410

44.6

56,399

45.4

Interest (income) expense, net

(552

)

(0.5

)

(206

)

(0.2

)

Income before income taxes

11,631

10.1

15,318

12.3

Income tax expense

2,871

2.5

2,951

2.4

Net income

$

8,760

7.6

$

12,367

10.0

Income per common share:

Basic

$

0.71

$

0.94

Diluted

$

0.70

$

0.94

Shares used in computing common per share amounts:

Basic

12,420,379

13,111,615

Diluted

12,431,533

13,139,470

 

 

(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, 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 and immaterial rounding.

 


 

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

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

 

26 Weeks

26 Weeks

Ended

Ended

August 1,

% of Total

August 2,

% of Total

2026

Revenues (1)

2025

Revenues (1)

Revenues:

Net retail sales

$

220,010

91.5

$

234,224

92.7

Commercial revenue

19,034

7.9

16,251

6.4

International franchising revenue

1,517

0.6

2,167

0.9

Total revenues

240,561

100.0

252,642

100.0

Costs and expenses:

Cost of merchandise sold - retail (1)

89,320

40.6

100,123

42.7

Cost of merchandise sold - commercial (1)

7,802

41.0

6,433

39.6

Cost of merchandise sold - international franchising (1)

1,078

71.1

1,589

73.3

Total cost of merchandise sold

98,200

40.8

108,145

42.8

Consolidated gross profit

142,361

59.2

144,497

57.2

Selling, general and administrative expense

107,536

44.7

109,954

43.5

Interest expense (income), net

(686

)

(0.3

)

(406

)

(0.2

)

Income before income taxes

35,511

14.8

34,949

13.8

Income tax expense

8,452

3.5

7,263

2.9

Net income

$

27,059

11.2

$

27,686

11.0

Income per common share:

Basic

$

2.16

$

2.11

Diluted

$

2.16

$

2.11

Shares used in computing common per share amounts:

Basic

12,502,383

13,095,958

Diluted

12,526,722

13,142,443

 

 

(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)

 

August 1,

January 31,

August 2,

2026

2026

2025

ASSETS

​Current assets:

​Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

$

14,004

$

26,755

$

39,108

​Inventories, net

81,130

82,203

81,758

​Receivables, net

16,383

21,459

13,526

​Prepaid expenses and other current assets

11,378

9,603

10,026

​Total current assets

122,895

140,020

144,418

​Operating lease right-of-use asset

$

119,760

121,129

100,950

​Property and equipment, net

79,058

70,926

58,804

​Deferred tax assets

7,180

7,370

8,045

​Other assets, net

5,208

6,008

6,021

​Total Assets

$

334,101

$

345,453

$

318,238

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

​Current liabilities:

​Accounts payable

16,017

$

15,318

$

16,659

​Accrued expenses

14,731

26,104

19,110

​Operating lease liability short term

28,138

28,651

26,996

​Gift cards and customer deposits

13,789

15,289

14,343

​Deferred revenue and other

3,925

5,264

3,964

​Total current liabilities

76,600

90,626

81,072

​Operating lease liability long term

97,373

98,647

80,365

​Other long-term liabilities

1,131

1,152

1,406

​Stockholders' equity:

​Common stock, par value $0.01 per share

126

128

132

​Additional paid-in capital

59,113

60,821

61,701

​Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(11,132

)

(10,760

)

(11,304

)

​Retained earnings

110,890

104,839

104,866

​Total stockholders' equity

158,997

155,028

155,395

​Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

$

334,101

$

345,453

$

318,238

 


 

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Unaudited Selected Financial and Store Data

(dollars in thousands)

 

13 Weeks

13 Weeks

26 Weeks

26 Weeks

Ended

Ended

Ended

Ended

August 1,

August 2,

August 1,

August 2,

2026

2025

2026

2025

Other financial data:

Retail gross margin ($) (1)

$

57,562

$

66,083

$

130,690

$

134,101

Retail gross margin (%) (1)

54.0

%

57.6

%

59.4

%

57.3

%

Capital expenditures (2)

$

8,596

$

3,421

$

15,421

$

6,328

Depreciation and amortization

$

4,112

$

3,668

$

8,114

$

7,368

Store data (3):

Number of corporately-managed retail locations at end of period

​North America

337

327

Europe

42

41

​Total corporately-managed retail locations

379

368

Number of franchised stores at end of period

118

102

Number of third-party retail locations at end of period

177

157

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

​North America

751,869

731,689

Europe

58,166

57,015

​Total square footage

810,035

788,713

 

(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

26 Weeks

26 Weeks

Ended

Ended

Ended

Ended

August 1,

August 2,

August 1,

August 2,

2026

2025

2026

2025

Income before income taxes (pre-tax)

$

11,631

$

15,318

$

35,511

$

34,949

IEEPA tariff refund related to fiscal 2025 (1)

-

-

(7,000

)

-

Adjusted income before income taxes (pre-tax)

$

11,631

$

15,318

$

28,511

$

34,949

 

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

26 Weeks

26 Weeks

Ended

Ended

Ended

Ended

August 1,

August 2,

August 1,

August 2,

2026

2025

2026

2025

Net income

$

8,760

$

12,367

$

27,059

$

27,686

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

-

-

(5,338

)

-

Adjusted net income

$

8,760

$

12,367

$

21,721

$

27,686

Net income per diluted share (EPS)

0.70

0.94

2.16

2.11

Adjusted net income per diluted share (adjusted EPS)

0.70

0.94

1.73

2.11

 

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

26 Weeks

26 Weeks

Ended

Ended

Ended

Ended

August 1,

August 2,

August 1,

August 2,

2026

2025

2026

2025

Income before income taxes (pre-tax)

$

11,631

$

15,318

$

35,511

$

34,949

Interest (income) expense, net

(552

)

(206

)

(686

)

(406

)

Depreciation and amortization expense

4,112

3,668

8,114

7,368

EBITDA

$

15,191

$

18,780

$

42,939

$

41,911

Adjustments to EBITDA

IEEPA tariff refund related to fiscal 2025 (1)

-

-

(7,000

)

-

Adjusted EBITDA

$

15,191

$

18,780

$

35,939

$

41,911

 

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)

$

60,000

$

68,000

IEEPA tariff refund related to fiscal 2025 (1)

(7,000

)

(7,000

)

Adjusted income before income taxes (pre-tax)

$

53,000

$

61,000

 

(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

 

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