Shares of restaurant chain Wingstop (NASDAQ: WING) absolutely plunged on Wednesday after the company reported financial results for the third quarter of 2024. As of 3 p.m. ET, Wingstop stock was down a painful 20%.
The Q3 headline numbers were incredible for Wingstop. The company had nearly 2,400 locations at the end of the second quarter, but still added 106 more in Q3 alone. The chain enjoyed 20% same-store-sales growth in the U.S., leading to year-over-year revenue growth of 39%. If investors were hoping for impressive growth, they got it.
Wingstop’s Q3 net income was up 32% to $25.7 million. And that’s strong growth as well in isolation. But profits were up less than revenue, and investors were hoping for more. In a nutshell, that’s why Wingstop was down so much today.
Is the drop with Wingstop stock justified? Well, additional context is important here. Even with today’s 20% drop, Wingstop stock is still up a hefty 65% in the past year, handily outpacing the historic returns for the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC).
Even if Wingstop had hit its profit number, I don’t think the stock was worth what it was trading for. For this reason, I’d say the pullback for the stock is justified, even though Q3 numbers were strong.
The valuation is still pricey for Wingstop stock. But for investors solely looking at the business, I see little reason for concern. Some are pointing to rising expenses with chicken wings, which is true. But as a primarily franchised business model, this rising cost doesn’t impact Wingstop as much as restaurant chains with a company-owned model.
Therefore, while Q3 margins took a step back, I don’t believe this is a trend that will meaningfully accelerate in coming quarters for Wingstop. Shareholders can take comfort in knowing that its brand is more popular than ever, and long-term growth is still on the menu.
Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then you’ll want to hear this.
On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a “Double Down” stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If you’re worried you’ve already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before it’s too late. And the numbers speak for themselves:
Amazon: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2010, you’d have $21,492!*
Apple: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2008, you’d have $44,204!*
Netflix: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2004, you’d have $409,559!*
Right now, we’re issuing “Double Down” alerts for three incredible companies, and there may not be another chance like this anytime soon.
*Stock Advisor returns as of October 28, 2024
Jon Quast has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Wingstop. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
—
Blog powered by G6
Disclaimer! A guest author has made this post. G6 has not checked the post. its content and attachments and under no circumstances will G6 be held responsible or liable in any way for any claims, damages, losses, expenses, costs or liabilities whatsoever (including, without limitation, any direct or indirect damages for loss of profits, business interruption or loss of information) resulting or arising directly or indirectly from your use of or inability to use this website or any websites linked to it, or from your reliance on the information and material on this website, even if the G6 has been advised of the possibility of such damages in advance.
For any inquiries, please contact [email protected]
