Noodles & Co. (NDLS)
NASDAQ:NDLS
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Earnings Data
Report Date
Aug 12, 2026After Close (Confirmed)
Period Ending
2026 (Q2)Consensus EPS Forecast
-0.05Last Year’s EPS
-0.96Same Quarter Last Year
Based on 0 Analysts Ratings
Earnings Call Summary
Earnings Call Sentiment|Positive
The call conveyed strong operational momentum: meaningful comparable sales growth, significant margin expansion, tripling of adjusted EBITDA, improved customer acquisition and raised full-year guidance. These positives are partly offset by a flat total revenue figure (due to closures), a Q1 net loss that included a $2.7M impairment, low quarter-end cash ($1.4M), elevated debt ($106.8M) and planned restaurant closures. Overall, the operational improvements, financial outperformance versus prior year, and upgraded guidance outweigh the challenges, which management positions as strategic and temporary.Company Guidance
Strong Comparable Sales Growth
System-wide comparable restaurant sales increased 9.1% in Q1 (company-owned +9.4%, franchise +8.0%); April comps continued momentum at >9% system-wide and >10% at company-operated restaurants. Company has delivered positive same-store sales for 16 consecutive months.
Adjusted EBITDA Tripled Year-over-Year
Adjusted EBITDA more than tripled YoY to $7.7 million in Q1 from $2.4 million a year ago, driven by sales acceleration and margin improvements.
Restaurant Contribution Margin Expansion
Restaurant contribution margin improved by 460 basis points to 14.9% in Q1 from 10.3% in Q1 2025, reflecting better operations, pricing and cost management.
Average Unit Volume and Traffic Gains
Company average unit volumes increased 13.5% to $1.49 million. Company comp traffic rose 4.8% and average check increased 4.4% (including ~2% pricing).
Improved Cost Metrics
Cost of goods sold fell 120 basis points to 25.4% of sales; food inflation was modest at 0.2% in the quarter. Labor costs decreased 250 basis points to 30.0% of sales, aided by sales leverage and efficiencies (hourly wage inflation 1.9%).
Customer Acquisition and Loyalty Momentum
New guest active purchases increased 36% YoY and loyalty sign-ups grew 33% in the quarter, indicating successful marketing and product initiatives driving trial and repeat engagement.
Menu & Marketing Successes Driving Demand
Successful limited-time offers and menu refreshes (e.g., Steak Stroganoff return, Chili Garlic Ramen) lifted relevant categories (Asian category mix +40% during an LTO window) and supported traffic and mix improvements.
Raised Full-Year Guidance and Financial Targets
Company raised 2026 guidance: revenue $483M–$498M, comp restaurant sales +7% to +10%, restaurant contribution margin 15.5%–17%, adjusted EBITDA $32.5M–$37.5M, capex $9.5M–$10.5M, and expects to be free cash flow positive with ~ $10M potential debt reduction in 2026.
Portfolio Optimization Delivering Benefits
Closures of underperforming restaurants are transferring sales to nearby locations, improving baseline AUV and restaurant-level profitability; Q1 saw 20 company-owned and 3 franchise closures as part of optimization.
NDLS Earnings History
The table shows recent earnings report dates and whether the forecast was beat or missed. See the change in forecast and EPS from the previous year.
Beat
Missed
NDLS Earnings-Related Price Changes
Report Date | Price 1 Day Before | Price 1 Day After | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
May 06, 2026 | $11.32 | $12.00 | +6.01% |
Mar 25, 2026 | $6.06 | $9.43 | +55.61% |
Nov 05, 2025 | $5.28 | $5.98 | +13.33% |
Aug 13, 2025 | $8.16 | $5.78 | -29.22% |
Earnings announcements can affect a stock’s price. This table shows the stock's price the day before and the day after recent earnings reports, including the percentage change.
FAQ
When does Noodles & Co. (NDLS) report earnings?
Noodles & Co. (NDLS) is schdueled to report earning on Aug 12, 2026, After Close (Confirmed).
What is Noodles & Co. (NDLS) earnings time?
Noodles & Co. (NDLS) earnings time is at Aug 12, 2026, After Close (Confirmed).
Where can I see when companies are reporting earnings?
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What companies are reporting earnings today?
You can see a list of the companies which are reporting today on TipRanks earnings calendar.
What is NDLS EPS forecast?
NDLS EPS forecast for the fiscal quarter 2026 (Q2) is -0.05.