Build-A-Bear Guides Mid-Single-Digit FY26 Growth, Raises Dividend 4.5%, Names New CEO
Build-A-Bear Workshop raised its FY26 revenue outlook to mid-single-digit growth, boosted its quarterly dividend by 4.5% to $0.23, and named COO Chris Hurt as CEO effective June 11, succeeding Sharon Price John. The company posted Q4 profit of $16.4M on $154.5M revenue, missing EPS forecasts by a cent.
1. FY26 Revenue Guidance and Dividend Increase
Build-A-Bear Workshop now expects full-year 2026 revenue to grow by a mid-single-digit percentage, reflecting tariffs, labor costs, freight expenses and inflationary pressures. The Board approved a 4.5% increase to the quarterly cash dividend, bringing it to $0.23 per share, payable April 9, 2026.
2. Q4 Financial Results
In the fourth quarter, the company reported net income of $16.4 million, or $1.26 per share, on revenue of $154.5 million. Earnings per share fell one cent short of consensus estimates, while full-year revenue for 2025 reached $529.8 million with net income of $52.2 million.
3. CEO Succession Plan
Longtime President and CEO Sharon Price John will retire on June 11, 2026, at the annual shareholders’ meeting. Chief Operations and Experience Officer Chris Hurt will assume the CEO role and join the Board, with Price John remaining on the Board during the transition.
4. Stock Reaction
In pre-market trading following the announcements, Build-A-Bear shares climbed 13.6% to $49.40, reflecting investor enthusiasm for the guidance upgrade, dividend hike and leadership succession.