Wingstop (WING) Stock Forecast & Price Target

Wingstop has demonstrated strong growth potential, evidenced by an impressive 18.8% net unit growth in 2025, with expectations for continued expansion into 2026 at mid-teens growth rates. Franchisees' commitment to opening new stores, even amidst macroeconomic uncertainty, has led to a consistent increase in development guidance, which has been raised in every quarter of 2024 and 2025. Additionally, the company has achieved industry-leading returns of 70%, positively influencing its advertising fund growth and reinforcing its favorable operational metrics.

Wingstop has reported its weakest same-store sales performance in history, with a domestic decline of 5.6%, significantly underperforming both estimates and the broader consensus, which reflected a notable pullback in spending from lower-income consumers. The company's EBITDA projections have been adjusted downward, indicating a deterioration in financial expectations, along with a revised growth outlook for same-store sales that predicts further declines through 2026. Additionally, external pressures such as intensified competition in the chicken market and challenges in digital ordering growth are contributing to a negative sentiment surrounding Wingstop's future performance.