Wingstop (WING) Stock Forecast & Price Target

Wingstop has demonstrated a robust growth trajectory, evidenced by a net unit growth of 18.8% for 2025, which surpasses previous estimates and reflects the franchise's strong expansion plans. The company's development guidance has consistently improved, with the projection for 2026 indicating mid-teens growth, suggesting sustained momentum in store openings and franchisee engagement. Additionally, the franchise model's performance is noteworthy, delivering industry-leading returns of 70%, which should positively influence advertising fund growth and underpin long-term financial stability.

Wingstop recorded its weakest same-store sales performance in history during the third quarter of 2025, with domestic same-store sales plummeting by 5.6%, significantly worse than estimates and reflective of consumer pullback, particularly among lower-income demographics. The company's EBITDA forecast was adjusted downward, indicating a persistent struggle to exceed previous expectations and an inability to maintain growth, further compounded by escalating competition within the chicken segment and a slowdown in digital ordering. Additionally, macroeconomic pressures on the core consumer base may lead to prolonged challenges in revenue generation, supported by lowered same-store sales estimates for the upcoming years.