Build-A-Bear Workshop Management
Management criteria checks 3/4
Build-A-Bear Workshop's CEO is Sharon John, appointed in Jun 2013, has a tenure of 12.92 years. total yearly compensation is $3.40M, comprised of 23.8% salary and 76.2% bonuses, including company stock and options. directly owns 1.78% of the company’s shares, worth $8.45M. The average tenure of the management team and the board of directors is 3.3 years and 4.5 years respectively.
Key information
Sharon John
Chief executive officer
US$3.4m
Total compensation
| CEO salary percentage | 23.79% |
| CEO tenure | 12.9yrs |
| CEO ownership | 1.8% |
| Management average tenure | 3.3yrs |
| Board average tenure | 4.5yrs |
Recent management updates
Recent updates
Seeking Alpha • Apr 28
Build-A-Bear Workshop: The Pros And Cons Of Owning The Stock Now
Summary Build-A-Bear Workshop has achieved consistent top-line growth, diversifying revenue streams through international franchising and commercial expansion. BBW faces macro headwinds, including weak consumer confidence, Middle East tensions, and elevated energy prices, which may pressure margins and growth. Receivables growth outpaces revenue due to commercial segment expansion, lengthening cash conversion cycles, and potentially reducing financial flexibility. I assign BBW a 'hold' rating, citing full valuation, inconsistent shareholder returns, and high short interest despite sector-relative discount. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Narrative Update • Apr 25
BBW: Capital Returns And CEO Succession Will Support Future Upside
Analysts have lowered their price target on Build-A-Bear Workshop to reflect a reduced assumed future P/E multiple of 14.7x, while keeping their fair value, growth, and margin assumptions in dollar terms unchanged. What's in the News Longtime President and CEO Sharon Price John plans to retire after the June 11, 2026 annual shareholders' meeting.Narrative Update • Apr 10
BBW: Succession Plan And Capital Returns Will Support Future Upside Potential
Analysts have maintained their $62.00 price target on Build-A-Bear Workshop, citing updated assumptions around the discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E that leave their overall valuation view essentially unchanged. What's in the News Longtime President and CEO Sharon Price John plans to retire after the June 11, 2026 shareholders meeting.Narrative Update • Mar 27
BBW: Succession Plan And Capital Returns Will Drive Future Upside Potential
Analysts have trimmed their price target on Build-A-Bear Workshop from $66.25 to $62.00, reflecting updated assumptions around discount rate, profit margin, and a lower future P/E multiple, while keeping revenue growth expectations broadly consistent. What's in the News Longtime President and CEO Sharon Price John plans to retire after the 2026 annual shareholders meeting.Narrative Update • Mar 13
BBW: Succession Plan And Capital Returns Will Support Future Upside Potential
Analysts have trimmed their price target for Build-A-Bear Workshop from $70.00 to $66.25, citing updated assumptions for discount rate, revenue growth, profit margins and future P/E that modestly adjust the valuation framework. What's in the News CEO succession plan announced, with longtime President and CEO Sharon Price John intending to retire after the June 11, 2026 annual shareholders' meeting and current Chief Operations and Experience Officer Chris Hurt set to assume the CEO role and join the Board at that time, while Price John remains on the Board to support the transition (Key Developments).Narrative Update • Feb 26
BBW: Experiential Partnerships And Buybacks Will Support Future Upside Potential
Analysts have kept their price target for Build-A-Bear Workshop steady at $70.00, citing largely unchanged assumptions around revenue growth, profit margins, discount rate, and future P/E as the basis for maintaining their view. What's in the News Build-A-Bear Workshop and Sanrio announced a national expansion of the Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty and Friends Workshop concept, with new locations planned at American Dream in New Jersey and Mall of America in Minnesota in early 2026.Analysis Article • Feb 12
Benign Growth For Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE:BBW) Underpins Stock's 27% Plummet
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. ( NYSE:BBW ) shares have retraced a considerable 27% in the last month, reversing a fair...Narrative Update • Feb 10
BBW: Experiential Expansion And Buybacks Will Support Future Upside Potential
Analysts have kept their fair value estimate for Build-A-Bear Workshop steady at US$70.00, with only minor tweaks to inputs such as the discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E assumptions. This signals that their overall view on the stock's pricing remains broadly unchanged.Narrative Update • Jan 27
BBW: Experiential Expansion And Buybacks Will Support A More Bullish Outlook
Analysts have inched their fair value estimate for Build-A-Bear Workshop up from $68.75 to $70.00, citing small adjustments in the discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin, and expected future P/E as the main drivers of the updated price target. What's in the News Reiterated earnings guidance for 2025, with management pointing to third quarter results and what it describes as consistent underlying fundamentals, while also noting ongoing tariff headwinds (Corporate Guidance) Based on existing guidance, the company indicates it is positioned for fiscal 2025 revenue of over US$0.5b.Analysis Article • Jan 25
Here's Why We Think Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE:BBW) Might Deserve Your Attention Today
Investors are often guided by the idea of discovering 'the next big thing', even if that means buying 'story stocks...Narrative Update • Jan 11
BBW: Tariff Headwinds And Experiential Expansion Will Shape A Fairly Valued Outlook
Analysts have maintained their fair value estimate for Build-A-Bear Workshop at US$68.75. This reflects only modest adjustments to discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E assumptions, rather than a significant change in their overall view.Analysis Article • Dec 25
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE:BBW) Held Back By Insufficient Growth Even After Shares Climb 25%
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. ( NYSE:BBW ) shareholders are no doubt pleased to see that the share price has bounced 25...Narrative Update • Dec 20
BBW: Experiential Expansion And Share Repurchases Are Expected To Drive Upside
Analysts have modestly trimmed their price target on Build A Bear Workshop, reducing fair value by about 4 percent to approximately 68 dollars and 75 cents, as slightly softer growth and valuation assumptions more than offset a marginally stronger profit margin outlook. What's in the News Build A Bear and Sanrio plan a national expansion of the Build A Bear x Hello Kitty and Friends Workshop concept, with new flagship locations slated for American Dream in New Jersey and Mall of America in Minnesota in early 2026 (Key Developments).Narrative Update • Dec 06
BBW: National Experiential Expansion Is Expected To Drive Long-Term Upside
Analysts have modestly lowered their price target on Build-A-Bear Workshop to approximately 72 dollars from about 80 dollars, reflecting slightly higher discount rate and margin assumptions that more than offset incremental optimism on revenue growth and future valuation multiples. What's in the News Planned national expansion of the Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty and Friends Workshops, with new flagship locations opening at American Dream in New Jersey and Mall of America in Minnesota in early 2026 (Key Developments) Concept builds on the success of the first Los Angeles Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty and Friends Workshop, which quickly became a destination for collectors, families, and Sanrio fans (Key Developments) New experiential stores will feature immersive Hello Kitty themed environments, including branded shopping bags, aprons, Cub Condos, and customizable outfits, scents, and sounds for multiple Sanrio characters (Key Developments) Company completed repurchases of 640,295 shares, about 4.91% of shares outstanding, for 23.1 million dollars under its existing buyback program as of early December 2025 (Key Developments) Management reaffirmed fiscal 2025 guidance, and is still expecting total revenue to grow at a mid to high single digit percentage rate (Key Developments) Valuation Changes Fair Value Estimate has been reduced modestly, from approximately 80 dollars to about 72 dollars.Analysis Article • Dec 04
A Look At The Intrinsic Value Of Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE:BBW)
Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Build-A-Bear Workshop fair value estimate is US$55.97 With...Analysis Article • Nov 05
Under The Bonnet, Build-A-Bear Workshop's (NYSE:BBW) Returns Look Impressive
What trends should we look for it we want to identify stocks that can multiply in value over the long term? Ideally, a...Analysis Article • Aug 29
With EPS Growth And More, Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE:BBW) Makes An Interesting Case
It's common for many investors, especially those who are inexperienced, to buy shares in companies with a good story...Narrative Update • Aug 29
International Expansion And Digital Transformation Will Expand Global Footprint
The significant increase in Build-A-Bear Workshop’s consensus price target reflects a higher market valuation multiple (future P/E rising from 15.87x to 17.95x) despite unchanged revenue growth expectations, resulting in a new fair value of $73.33. What's in the News Increased new unit growth guidance for 2025 to at least 60 new experience locations with a mix of corporate, partner, and franchise models.Analysis Article • Jul 31
We Like Build-A-Bear Workshop's (NYSE:BBW) Returns And Here's How They're Trending
To find a multi-bagger stock, what are the underlying trends we should look for in a business? Ideally, a business will...Analysis Article • May 30
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE:BBW) Surges 49% Yet Its Low P/E Is No Reason For Excitement
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. ( NYSE:BBW ) shareholders would be excited to see that the share price has had a great...Seeking Alpha • Mar 28
Build-A-Bear: Strong Growth & Rapid Expansion Makes The Dip Worth Buying
Summary Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.'s strong fundamentals and strategic expansion in high tourist areas position it for long-term growth, despite economic uncertainties and tariff challenges. The company reported record profits for the fourth consecutive year, with double-digit EPS growth and a solid revenue increase, showcasing robust financial health. Management's commitment to shareholders is evident through a double-digit dividend raise and significant share repurchases, enhancing investor value. With a forward P/E of 9.14x and over 70% upside potential, BBW stock remains an attractive buy, targeting continued expansion and profitability in 2025. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Mar 16
Build-A-Bear Workshop's (NYSE:BBW) Upcoming Dividend Will Be Larger Than Last Year's
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. ( NYSE:BBW ) has announced that it will be increasing its dividend from last year's...Analysis Article • Mar 12
Is Now An Opportune Moment To Examine Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE:BBW)?
While Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. ( NYSE:BBW ) might not have the largest market cap around , it received a lot of...Seeking Alpha • Mar 04
Build-A-Bear: More Digitalization Efforts, But The Margin Of Safety Declined (Rating Downgrade)
Summary Build-A-Bear Workshop reported a 25.3% EBITDA increase due to higher retail and commercial margins, suggesting potential for continued profitability growth. Digital transformation and the new Chief Revenue Officer are expected to boost online sales and revenue from personalization programs. Despite positive financial performance, the current margin of safety is smaller, leading me to close my position but monitor for future opportunities. Risks include international market challenges, trade restrictions, and tariffs, particularly with China and Vietnam, which could impact profitability. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Jan 13
Build-A-Bear Workshop: It's Time To Consider This Underrated Dividend Stock
Summary Build-A-Bear's strong financial performance, debt-free balance sheet, and aggressive share buybacks make it an attractive long-term dividend stock with significant growth potential. The company has outperformed the S&P, up 99% in the past year, driven by expansion and increased sales in both U.S. and UK stores. Despite a higher forward P/E of 11.99x, BBW's continued expansion and shareholder-friendly policies suggest a rerating higher, with a 2026 price target of $60.35. While downside risks exist due to potential market corrections, BBW's resilience and undervaluation make it a compelling buy for dividend-focused investors. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Dec 27
Improved Earnings Required Before Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE:BBW) Stock's 26% Jump Looks Justified
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. ( NYSE:BBW ) shares have continued their recent momentum with a 26% gain in the last month...Seeking Alpha • Dec 19
Build-A-Bear Workshop: Revenue And Margin Expansion Amid Poor Consumer Outlook
Summary In 3Q24, BBW generated $119 million in revenues, growing 10.19% y/y and 6.25% q/q. Operating margins and net margins improved to 10.92% and 8.40% from 9.26% and 7.41%. Although the poor consumer outlook will weigh on BBW, investors should not be overly worried. After all, BBW has managed to post impressive results consistently, demonstrating its resilience. Looking ahead, investors should expect continued revenue expansion as BBW continues to accelerate its asset-light shift and pull other levers to tap into other consumers (e.g., new types of products). As BBW generates more FCF due to its asset-light transition, investors should expect BBW to return more capital to shareholders. Valuation analysis suggests a potential upside of 14.38% and 32.38% if BBW can maintain its current rate of expansion and further improve its margins. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Dec 06
Build-A-Bear: Strong Expansion Prospects, But A Disappointing Q4 Outlook (Rating Downgrade)
Summary Build-A-Bear’s Q3 results showed incredible revenue momentum in brick-and-mortar and in wholesale shipments, and highlighted the company's rapid partner-operated expansion with 17 new store openings. The updated FY2024 outlook suggests disappointing Q4 growth, reflecting weaker ecommerce demand and slower wholesale shipments. BBW stock doesn't have much asymmetric upside left in my base DCF model scenario. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Nov 11
Build-A-Bear's Unique Experience-Orientated Offering Creates A Bright Future
Summary Build-A-Bear Workshop has seen a 3500% increase since April 2020, evolving into a growth story underpinned by a unique retail approach. The company's success is driven by exceptional customer experiences, brand partnerships, and a flexible store formats. The financial turnaround includes 44% revenue growth from 2019-2023, increased e-commerce sales, and a leaner, more profitable business model. With international expansion potential and a clean capital structure, Build-A-Bear is poised for continued growth, making it a buy at an FWD GAAP P/E of 9.87. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Oct 18
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.'s (NYSE:BBW) Shares Lagging The Market But So Is The Business
When close to half the companies in the United States have price-to-earnings ratios (or "P/E's") above 19x, you may...Seeking Alpha • Oct 16
Build-A-Bear: Dividend Stock Has Potential To Become A Long-Term Powerhouse
Summary Build-A-Bear Workshop has strong financials and a debt-free balance sheet, giving it the makings to become a great long-term dividend stock. The company recently started paying a respectable dividend with a forward yield of 2.24%. BBW is aggressively expanding internationally, with plans to open 50 new locations this fiscal year, enhancing its growth potential and market presence. With a forward P/E of 9.18x, BBW appears undervalued compared to sector averages, suggesting significant upside potential. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Oct 01
Build-A-Bear Workshop: Digital Transformation, Different Stores, And Undervalued
Summary Build-A-Bear Workshop's expansion into digital and diverse store formats, including tourist destinations, is expected to boost net sales growth and free cash flow. Partnerships with well-known brands like Pokémon, Disney, and Nintendo are likely to accelerate revenue growth and enhance product offerings for kids and adults. The company's share repurchase programs and special dividends are anticipated to attract new investors and potentially increase the stock's fair price. Despite risks from marketing strategies, mall traffic, and economic factors, BBW appears significantly undervalued. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaCEO Compensation Analysis
| Date | Total Compensation | Salary | Company Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 31 2026 | US$3m | US$808k | US$52m |
| Nov 01 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$57m |
| Aug 02 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$59m |
| May 03 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$56m |
| Feb 01 2025 | US$3m | US$811k | US$52m |
| Nov 02 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$52m |
| Aug 03 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$50m |
| May 04 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$50m |
| Feb 03 2024 | US$4m | US$765k | US$53m |
| Oct 28 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$51m |
| Jul 29 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$51m |
| Apr 29 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$48m |
| Jan 28 2023 | US$4m | US$757k | US$48m |
| Oct 29 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$52m |
| Jul 30 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$50m |
| Apr 30 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$51m |
| Jan 29 2022 | US$3m | US$730k | US$47m |
| Oct 30 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$34m |
| Jul 31 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$29m |
| May 01 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$9m |
| Jan 30 2021 | US$2m | US$643k | -US$23m |
| Oct 31 2020 | n/a | n/a | -US$27m |
| Aug 01 2020 | n/a | n/a | -US$35m |
| May 02 2020 | n/a | n/a | -US$22m |
| Feb 01 2020 | US$3m | US$714k | US$261k |
Compensation vs Market: Sharon's total compensation ($USD3.40M) is above average for companies of similar size in the US market ($USD2.55M).
Compensation vs Earnings: Sharon's compensation has been consistent with company performance over the past year.
CEO
Sharon John (61 yo)
12.9yrs
Tenure
US$3,396,235
Compensation
Ms. Sharon Price John has been President of Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc since March 2016 and has been its Chief Executive Officer since June 3, 2013. Ms. John has experience and a strong track record of suc...
Leadership Team
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| President | 12.9yrs | US$3.40m | 1.78% $ 8.4m | |
| Founder & Director Emeritus | 29.3yrs | no data | 0.71% $ 3.3m | |
| Chief Financial Officer | 11.7yrs | US$1.30m | 0.64% $ 3.1m | |
| Chief Operations & Experience Officer | 11.1yrs | US$1.30m | 0.48% $ 2.3m | |
| Chief Legal Officer & Secretary | less than a year | US$458.64k | 0.048% $ 227.0k | |
| Chief Revenue Officer | 1.7yrs | US$1.28m | 0.17% $ 811.6k | |
| Vice President of Investor Relations & Corporate Finance | no data | no data | no data | |
| Senior VP & CTO | 3.3yrs | no data | no data | |
| Senior VP & Chief People Officer | no data | no data | no data | |
| Chief Strategy Officer | no data | no data | no data | |
| Senior VP & Chief Brand Officer | 1.6yrs | no data | no data | |
| Senior VP for eCommerce & Digital Experiences | less than a year | no data | no data |
3.3yrs
Average Tenure
57yo
Average Age
Experienced Management: BBW's management team is considered experienced (3.3 years average tenure).
Board Members
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| President | 12.9yrs | US$3.40m | 1.78% $ 8.4m | |
| Founder & Director Emeritus | 2.9yrs | no data | 0.71% $ 3.3m | |
| Director | less than a year | no data | 0.0045% $ 21.3k | |
| Independent Director | 4.5yrs | US$156.83k | 0.080% $ 377.0k | |
| Independent Non-Executive Chairman | 8.3yrs | US$220.77k | 0.52% $ 2.5m | |
| Director | 1.2yrs | US$142.12k | 0.020% $ 94.4k | |
| Independent Director | 6.8yrs | US$169.83k | 0.12% $ 547.8k | |
| Independent Director | 4.5yrs | US$149.83k | 0.13% $ 615.9k |
4.5yrs
Average Tenure
63.5yo
Average Age
Experienced Board: BBW's board of directors are considered experienced (4.5 years average tenure).
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/11 16:35 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/05/11 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/01/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2026/01/31 |
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 |
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| 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
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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
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. is covered by 16 analysts. 4 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 |
|---|---|
| Gerrick Johnson | BMO Capital Markets Equity Research |
| Christopher Moore | CJS Securities, Inc. |
| Jeremy Hamblin | Colliers Securities |