Wingstop Management
Management criteria checks 2/4
Wingstop's CEO is Michael Skipworth, appointed in Aug 2021, has a tenure of 4.75 years. total yearly compensation is $35.29M, comprised of 2.7% salary and 97.3% bonuses, including company stock and options. directly owns 0.27% of the company’s shares, worth $9.08M. The average tenure of the management team and the board of directors is 4.8 years and 8.1 years respectively.
Key information
Michael Skipworth
Chief executive officer
US$35.3m
Total compensation
| CEO salary percentage | 2.72% |
| CEO tenure | 4.8yrs |
| CEO ownership | 0.3% |
| Management average tenure | 4.8yrs |
| Board average tenure | 8.1yrs |
Recent management updates
Recent updates
Seeking Alpha • May 11
I Closed Out My Wingstop Value Portfolio Hedge
Summary I closed my Wingstop short, originally initiated as a hedge against a larger value portfolio. As the value portfolio has been slowly sold off, there's less reason to be hedged. WING’s EV/EBIT (FWD) and P/S (FWD) multiples have dropped to about a third of their prior highs, reducing the hedge’s appeal. My hedging approach was suboptimal; diversifying across more short positions would have provided better portfolio protection and risk-adjusted returns. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Narrative Update • Apr 27
WING: Digital Initiatives And Unit Expansion Will Support Longer Term Upside
Wingstop's fair value estimate edges down from $400.00 to about $386.52 as analysts recalibrate price targets in light of softer revenue growth expectations, partially offset by firmer profit margin assumptions and slightly higher future P/E multiples. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Wingstop shows a split tape, with many firms trimming price targets while a separate group of bullish analysts continues to highlight longer term growth drivers, brand strength, and execution on technology and development.
Narrative Update • Apr 13
WING: Digital Initiatives And Franchise Expansion Will Support Long Term Upside
Wingstop's updated analyst price target has been reduced by about $26 to reflect slightly lower fair value, revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E assumptions, as analysts balance a series of recent target cuts with ongoing optimism around unit growth, digital initiatives, and potential sales recovery. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Wingstop reflects a split view, with several firms cutting price targets while others initiate or reiterate positive views tied to store expansion, digital investments, and margin structure.Narrative Update • Mar 30
WING: Self Help Initiatives And Franchise Expansion Will Support Long Term Upside
Wingstop's fair value estimate has edged lower by about $1 to $318.31 as analysts factor in slightly calmer revenue growth, a modestly higher discount rate, and a small uptick in expected profit margins and future P/E multiples following a mix of price target resets and fresh bullish initiations on the stock. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates on Wingstop reflect a split view, with several firms lifting price targets and launching positive coverage, while others trim targets or ratings as they reassess expectations for sales trends and sector conditions.
Narrative Update • Mar 16
WING: Digital Expansion And Unit Growth Will Support Returns Despite Price War Risk
Analysts have made a modest upward adjustment to the Wingstop fair value estimate from about $234.26 to $237.28, reflecting updated price targets that emphasize unit growth, digital investments, and mixed views on near term same store sales and margin risks. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research around Wingstop reflects a mix of enthusiasm for long term unit growth and digital initiatives alongside more cautious views on near term execution risks, margins, and valuation.Narrative Update • Mar 02
WING: Restaurant Price War Risk Will Restrain 2026 Return Potential
Our updated analyst price target for Wingstop has been reduced by about $10 to $234, reflecting slightly softer revenue growth expectations and a lower assumed future P/E multiple. This is partly offset by modestly better margin assumptions in the wake of mixed but generally constructive Street commentary around Q4 results and 2026 guidance.Narrative Update • Feb 16
WING: Expect Mixed 2026 Industry Pressures To Cap Future Return Upside
Our updated Wingstop view reflects a modest lift in fair value to $244. Analysts are weighing mixed rating changes and price target moves against slightly adjusted assumptions for the discount rate, revenue growth, profit margins, and future P/E expectations.Narrative Update • Feb 02
WING: I Expect Softer Same Store Sales Will Pressure Future Returns
Analysts have trimmed their fair value estimate for Wingstop to about $241 from roughly $291, reflecting slightly softer assumptions for revenue growth, profit margins, and future P/E multiples, even as research houses remain broadly constructive on the long term story following recent target tweaks across the restaurant group. Analyst Commentary Recent research has become more mixed, with several firms trimming price targets and one upgrading the stock after the pullback.Narrative Update • Jan 19
WING: Unit Expansion And Franchise Returns Will Offset Sector Headwinds
Analysts have adjusted their price targets on Wingstop in a wide range, with moves such as a cut to $290 and a lift to $335. Our updated narrative reflects this mixed view by holding fair value at $400 while modestly revising assumptions for discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E.Narrative Update • Jan 05
WING: 70% Franchisee Returns Will Drive Expansion Despite Same Store Sales Headwinds
Analysts have nudged their fair value estimate for Wingstop slightly higher to about $319 per share from roughly $318, as they balance softer near term same store sales and sector headwinds against resilient unit growth, strong franchisee returns, and a still premium but defensible long term earnings multiple. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research reflects a recalibration in expectations for Wingstop, with nearly all firms trimming price targets but largely maintaining positive ratings.Narrative Update • Dec 16
WING: Unit Expansion And Franchise Returns Will Drive Long-Term Upside
Analysts have trimmed their fair value estimate for Wingstop to $400 from $477, citing slower same store sales trends, a modestly lower long term growth outlook, and sector wide multiple compression, even as they continue to highlight the brand's solid unit economics and long runway for expansion. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts acknowledge near term pressure on same store sales and sector wide valuations, but largely frame recent price target cuts as recalibrations within a still constructive long term story.Analysis Article • Dec 03
Wingstop Inc.'s (NASDAQ:WING) 28% Share Price Surge Not Quite Adding Up
Wingstop Inc. ( NASDAQ:WING ) shareholders are no doubt pleased to see that the share price has bounced 28% in the last...Narrative Update • Dec 02
WING: Expansion Momentum And 70% Franchisee Returns Will Support Future Upside
The analyst price target for Wingstop saw a modest adjustment upward to $318.08, as analysts cite mixed quarter results but highlight ongoing unit growth and resilient profitability drivers despite broader industry headwinds. Analyst Commentary Analyst opinions on Wingstop remain divided following recent quarterly results, with several noting revised price targets and moderating estimates in response to mixed signals from the company and broader industry trends.Narrative Update • Nov 18
WING: Franchise Pipeline Expansion And Strong Cash Returns Will Drive Long-Term Upside
Wingstop's analyst price target has been reduced from $345.84 to $318.04, as analysts cite softer near-term sales and sector pressures. Despite these challenges, the company maintains steady profitability and ongoing long-term growth prospects.Analysis Article • Nov 14
Impressive Earnings May Not Tell The Whole Story For Wingstop (NASDAQ:WING)
Unsurprisingly, Wingstop Inc.'s ( NASDAQ:WING ) stock price was strong on the back of its healthy earnings report. We...Analysis Article • Nov 07
Results: Wingstop Inc. Beat Earnings Expectations And Analysts Now Have New Forecasts
It's been a pretty great week for Wingstop Inc. ( NASDAQ:WING ) shareholders, with its shares surging 13% to US$245 in...Narrative Update • Nov 03
WING: Franchise Expansion And Digital Efforts Will Drive Long-Term Upside Potential
Wingstop's analyst price target has been revised downward from $361.75 to $345.84. Analysts cite softer industry trends, moderating growth projections, and macroeconomic headwinds affecting restaurant stocks, despite the company's resilient fundamentals.Narrative Update • Oct 20
Digital Platform Rollout And International Expansion Will Drive Efficiency
Analysts have lowered their fair value price target for Wingstop by approximately $20 to $361.75, citing ongoing consumer headwinds, sector-wide softness in limited-service restaurants, and a more cautious near-term outlook. However, they maintain longer-term confidence in growth drivers and profitability.Narrative Update • Oct 05
Digital Platform Rollout And International Expansion Will Drive Efficiency
Wingstop's analyst price target has been revised downward by approximately $16.72 to $381.83. Analysts cited near-term industry headwinds and moderated sales growth expectations while maintaining confidence in the company's longer-term strategic drivers.Analysis Article • Sep 27
Wingstop Inc.'s (NASDAQ:WING) 27% Dip Still Leaving Some Shareholders Feeling Restless Over Its P/ERatio
Wingstop Inc. ( NASDAQ:WING ) shareholders that were waiting for something to happen have been dealt a blow with a 27...Analysis Article • Jul 16
Should You Be Adding Wingstop (NASDAQ:WING) To Your Watchlist Today?
Investors are often guided by the idea of discovering 'the next big thing', even if that means buying 'story stocks...Analysis Article • Jun 10
Wingstop (NASDAQ:WING) Is Aiming To Keep Up Its Impressive Returns
If we want to find a stock that could multiply over the long term, what are the underlying trends we should look for...Analysis Article • May 23
Wingstop Inc.'s (NASDAQ:WING) Shares Climb 53% But Its Business Is Yet to Catch Up
Wingstop Inc. ( NASDAQ:WING ) shares have had a really impressive month, gaining 53% after a shaky period beforehand...Analysis Article • May 13
Wingstop (NASDAQ:WING) Posted Healthy Earnings But There Are Some Other Factors To Be Aware Of
Unsurprisingly, Wingstop Inc.'s ( NASDAQ:WING ) stock price was strong on the back of its healthy earnings report. We...Analysis Article • May 02
Wingstop Inc. Just Recorded A 274% EPS Beat: Here's What Analysts Are Forecasting Next
Shareholders of Wingstop Inc. ( NASDAQ:WING ) will be pleased this week, given that the stock price is up 19% to US$260...Seeking Alpha • Apr 29
Wingstop: High Valuation Clips Its Wings, But Stock Could Eventually Climb
Summary Quick service restaurants may offer a safe haven during economic turbulence, but Wingstop's high valuation makes it a sell despite strong market position. Wingstop's high profit margin and manageable debt provide breathing room, but its current P/E ratio is too high to justify a buy. Fast-casual restaurants like Chipotle and Portillo's face stronger headwinds, with thinner margins and slower revenue growth compared to Wingstop. WING's valuation needs to align with peers for a buy rating; current high valuation and required growth rates make it a sell for now. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Apr 16
We Ran A Stock Scan For Earnings Growth And Wingstop (NASDAQ:WING) Passed With Ease
It's common for many investors, especially those who are inexperienced, to buy shares in companies with a good story...Analysis Article • Mar 11
Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ:WING) Shares Could Be 30% Above Their Intrinsic Value Estimate
Key Insights Wingstop's estimated fair value is US$165 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Wingstop's US$214...Analysis Article • Feb 22
Earnings Release: Here's Why Analysts Cut Their Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ:WING) Price Target To US$328
Shareholders in Wingstop Inc. ( NASDAQ:WING ) had a terrible week, as shares crashed 23% to US$234 in the week since...Seeking Alpha • Feb 21
Wingstop: With Sharp Deceleration In Same-Store Sales, A Correction Is Beginning
Summary Shares of Wingstop slid ~15% after reporting a rare Q4 earnings miss. Same-store sales growth decelerated sharply to 10% y/y (from 21% in the previous quarter), and is expected to decline to the low/mid-single digits in FY25. Macro conditions and price increases risk alienating customers, while secular trends towards healthier eating challenge Wingstop's market position. Wingstop's ~60x forward P/E looks at heavy risk. Its primary distinguisher versus peers was its rapid same-store sales growth. With this distinction gone, its premium will vanish. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Feb 13
Wingstop Q4 Preview: Looming Weaknesses Outweigh Growth Potential (Downgrade)
Summary Wingstop Inc.'s Q4 performance should show rapid revenue growth as the company's franchise continues to grow. Negatively, industry-wide sales suggest a slowdown in December, and lower consumer confidence in early 2025 could lead to a weaker outlook ahead. Rising food costs add to Wingstop's negative catalysts. With concerns over Wingstop's performance, especially with margins, I believe that WING stock provides a weak risk-to-reward. I estimate -17% downside to a fair value of $251.9. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Jan 30
Why We're Not Concerned About Wingstop Inc.'s (NASDAQ:WING) Share Price
When close to half the companies in the Hospitality industry in the United States have price-to-sales ratios (or "P/S...Analysis Article • Jan 09
Returns on Capital Paint A Bright Future For Wingstop (NASDAQ:WING)
Did you know there are some financial metrics that can provide clues of a potential multi-bagger? In a perfect world...CEO Compensation Analysis
| Date | Total Compensation | Salary | Company Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 28 2026 | n/a | n/a | US$112m |
| Dec 27 2025 | US$35m | US$959k | US$174m |
| Sep 27 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$174m |
| Jun 28 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$172m |
| Mar 29 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$172m |
| Dec 28 2024 | US$9m | US$790k | US$109m |
| Sep 28 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$101m |
| Jun 29 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$95m |
| Mar 30 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$83m |
| Dec 30 2023 | US$7m | US$740k | US$70m |
| Sep 30 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$69m |
| Jul 01 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$63m |
| Apr 01 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$60m |
| Dec 31 2022 | US$4m | US$670k | US$53m |
| Sep 24 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$42m |
| Jun 25 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$40m |
| Mar 26 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$38m |
| Dec 25 2021 | US$3m | US$523k | US$43m |
| Sep 25 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$29m |
| Jun 26 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$28m |
| Mar 27 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$28m |
| Dec 26 2020 | US$2m | US$486k | US$23m |
| Sep 26 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$33m |
| Jun 27 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$29m |
| Mar 28 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$22m |
| Dec 28 2019 | US$1m | US$416k | US$20m |
Compensation vs Market: Michael's total compensation ($USD35.29M) is above average for companies of similar size in the US market ($USD7.10M).
Compensation vs Earnings: Michael's compensation has increased by more than 20% whilst company earnings have fallen more than 20% in the past year.
CEO
Michael Skipworth (47 yo)
4.8yrs
Tenure
US$35,288,595
Compensation
Mr. Michael J. Skipworth, C.P.A., serves as Chief Executive Officer and Director at Wingstop Inc. since March 13, 2022 and has been its President since August 27, 2021. He served Chief Operating Officer at...
Leadership Team
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| President | 4.8yrs | US$35.29m | 0.27% $ 9.1m | |
| Chief Financial Officer | 4.8yrs | US$2.56m | 0.051% $ 1.7m | |
| Chief Operating Officer | less than a year | US$2.16m | 0.015% $ 514.5k | |
| Chief Brand & People Officer | 6.5yrs | US$2.03m | 0.063% $ 2.1m | |
| Senior Director of Investor Relations & Corporate Finance | no data | no data | no data | |
| Chief Information Officer | 2.4yrs | no data | 0.0019% $ 64.0k | |
| Senior Vice President of Digital | 7.2yrs | no data | no data | |
| Chief Commercial Officer | 1.5yrs | no data | 0.0021% $ 69.7k |
4.8yrs
Average Tenure
46.5yo
Average Age
Experienced Management: WING's management team is considered experienced (4.8 years average tenure).
Board Members
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| President | 4.2yrs | US$35.29m | 0.27% $ 9.1m | |
| Independent Director | 14.6yrs | US$220.00k | 0.052% $ 1.8m | |
| Independent Director | 10yrs | US$220.00k | 0.016% $ 541.5k | |
| Independent Director | 8.5yrs | US$230.00k | 0.026% $ 889.2k | |
| Independent Director | 7.2yrs | US$235.00k | 0.016% $ 533.7k | |
| Independent Director | 1.4yrs | US$220.00k | 0.0022% $ 73.5k | |
| Independent Chairman | 9.3yrs | US$340.00k | 0.033% $ 1.1m | |
| Independent Director | 7.8yrs | US$227.50k | 0.018% $ 612.6k | |
| Independent Director | 9.2yrs | US$227.50k | 0.0095% $ 319.4k | |
| Independent Director | 3.8yrs | US$220.00k | 0.0070% $ 236.5k |
8.1yrs
Average Tenure
64.5yo
Average Age
Experienced Board: WING's board of directors are considered experienced (8.1 years average tenure).
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/13 12:04 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/05/13 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/28 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/27 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
| |
| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
| |
| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.
Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Wingstop Inc. is covered by 44 analysts. 30 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| David Tarantino | Baird |
| Jeffrey Bernstein | Barclays |
| Jeffrey Bernstein | Barclays |