Wingstop Q1 Sales Up 5.9% to $1.4B, EBITDA Up 9.9% to $65.4M
First quarter system-wide sales rose 5.9% to $1.4 billion, driven by 97 net new openings and 17% unit growth despite an 8.7% domestic same-store sales decline. Adjusted EBITDA grew 9.9% to $65.4 million and Wingstop declared a $0.30 per share dividend alongside a $300 million share repurchase authorization.
1. Q1 Financial Performance
Wingstop reported system-wide sales of $1.4 billion, a 5.9% increase year-over-year, with total revenue of $183.7 million, net income of $29.9 million (or $1.08 per share) and adjusted EBITDA of $65.4 million, up 9.9%.
2. Growth and Operating Metrics
The company added 97 net new restaurants in the quarter, bringing system-wide units to 3,153 (17% growth); domestic same-store sales declined 8.7% while digital sales comprised 72.5% of system-wide revenues.
3. Capital Returns and Outlook
Wingstop declared a quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share (approximately $8.2 million) and authorized $300 million for share repurchases, reiterating 2026 guidance of low-single-digit same-store sales decline, 15–16% global unit growth, $146–149 million SG&A and $28 million stock-based compensation.