Shake Shack Stock Plunges as Inclement Weather Hurts First-Quarter Performance
Shake Shack (SHAK) shares plummeted Thursday after the fast food chain operator's first-quarter results fell short of Wall Street's estimates amid weather-related headwinds.The company broke even in terms of non-GAAP earnings per share, compared with $0.14 adjusted EPS a year earlier and the FactSet-polled consensus that called for $0.12 in EPS. Revenue grew 14% to $366.7 million, while same-store sales rose 4.6%.Analysts expected revenue of $372.4 million and 4.7% in comparable sales growth in the quarter ended April 1.Inclement weather weighed down comparable sales by 240 basis points and impacted adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization in the first quarter, Chief Executive Rob Lynch said in a statement.The company's shares plunged about 30% intraday Thursday.Restaurant level margins slightly missed the company's own expectations amid higher operating expenses and "some mix impact" of marketing initiatives," the company said in a shareholder letter.For 2026, Shake Shack maintained its revenue guidance of $1.6 billion to $1.7 billion, continuing to expect same-store sales to grow by a low single-digit percentage. Analysts in a FactSet poll are projecting sales of $1.66 billion and same-store sales growth of 3%."Our sales momentum is building in (the second quarter) and that we are reiterating our 2026 guidance for same Shack sales restaurant level margins and our long-term financial targets," Lynch said on an earnings conference call, according to a FactSet transcript.Shake Shack appointed Michelle Hook as its chief financial officer, effective May 11. Hook previously served as CFO of Portillo's (PTLO).Katherine Fogertey stepped down as Shake Shack CFO in March.Fast-food giant McDonald's (MCD) logged first-quarter results above the Street's views on Thursday, a day after Burger King parent Restaurant Brands International (QSR) posted stronger-than-expected financials.Last week, Yum Brands (YUM) reported first-quarter comparable sales growth at KFC and Taco Bell.Price: $69.55, Change: $-26.97, Percent Change: -27.94%
