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Krispy Kreme, Inc. (DNUT)
:DNUT

Krispy Kreme (DNUT) AI Stock Analysis

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Krispy Kreme

(NASDAQ:DNUT)

54Neutral
Krispy Kreme's overall stock score reflects a mixed outlook. Financial performance is under pressure due to inconsistent profitability and high debt levels, while technical analysis suggests bearish trends. Valuation concerns arise from a high P/E ratio, although the dividend yield provides some compensation. The earnings call presents a balanced view with potential for growth, tempered by operational challenges. The recent corporate events, including a new COO appointment, offer some strategic optimism but are overshadowed by financial challenges.
Positive Factors
Revenue Performance
The recent Valentine’s Day promotion in the US generated one of the highest revenue periods for the company.
Sales Growth
The ability to expand into retailers like Walmart, Costco, and Target will have an equal if not greater impact on sales growth over the next two years as the MCD partnership.
Negative Factors
Financial Performance
The company reported 1Q25 results with net sales below estimates and adjusted EBITDA below both estimates.
Guidance and Forecasts
Materially worse guidance for 2025 undercuts the idea that ample demand for the brand will drive extended US growth.
Strategic Partnerships
What was expected to be a key driver of the growth story, the MCD partnership, is now on pause.

Krispy Kreme (DNUT) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Krispy Kreme Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionKrispy Kreme, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates through an omni-channel business model to provide doughnut experiences and produce doughnuts. The company operates through three segments: U.S. and Canada, International, and Market Development. It also produces cookies, brownies, cookie cakes, ice cream, cookie-wiches, and cold milk, as well as doughnut mixes, other ingredients, and doughnut-making equipment. As of January 2, 2022, the company had 1,810 Krispy Kreme and Insomnia Cookies-branded shops in approximately 30 countries worldwide, which include 971 company owned and 839 franchised. It serves through doughnut shops, delivered fresh daily outlets, ecommerce, and delivery business. The company was formerly known as Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. and changed its name to Krispy Kreme, Inc. in May 2021. Krispy Kreme, Inc. was founded in 1937 and is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.
How the Company Makes MoneyKrispy Kreme generates revenue through several key streams: direct retail sales through its company-owned and franchise locations, wholesale distribution to grocery and convenience stores, and online sales. The company benefits from strategic partnerships with retailers and foodservice providers, which expand its market reach and enhance brand visibility. Additionally, Krispy Kreme leverages its brand equity by offering branded merchandise and leveraging licensing agreements. The company also focuses on marketing initiatives, such as its popular 'Hot Light' promotions, to drive in-store traffic and repeat purchases. Seasonal and limited-time offerings further boost sales by creating urgency and interest among consumers.

Krispy Kreme Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Krispy Kreme exhibits solid revenue generation and gross profit margins, but profitability remains inconsistent, impacted by negative EBIT and fluctuating net income. The balance sheet indicates a leveraged position with high debt levels, posing potential risks. Cash flow management is an area of concern due to negative free cash flow, despite positive operating cash flows. The company needs to address these financial challenges to ensure sustainable growth and financial stability.
Income Statement
65
Positive
Krispy Kreme has shown a steady increase in total revenue over the years, but the latest report shows a minor decline in revenue compared to the previous year. The gross profit margin is strong, indicating efficient management of production costs. However, the company has struggled with consistent profitability, as shown by fluctuating net income and negative EBIT in the latest period.
Balance Sheet
60
Neutral
The balance sheet reveals a relatively high debt-to-equity ratio, suggesting a leveraged position. Although stockholders' equity has been stable, the company's total liabilities remain significant, which could pose risks. The equity ratio is moderate, indicating a balanced asset financing structure through equity.
Cash Flow
55
Neutral
Cash flow analysis shows a consistent challenge in generating positive free cash flow, with recent periods reflecting negative figures. Operating cash flow has been positive, but the company has faced high capital expenditures. The free cash flow to net income ratio indicates potential cash flow challenges in supporting net income.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Mar 2023Mar 2022Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
1.67B1.69B1.53B1.38B1.12B
Gross Profit
1.26B476.37M1.12B1.03B811.13M
EBIT
-8.73M13.14M28.98M41.10M4.28M
EBITDA
212.71M135.24M141.09M136.94M78.15M
Net Income Common Stockholders
3.10M-37.92M-8.78M-14.84M-60.94M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
28.96M38.19M35.37M38.56M38.51M
Total Assets
3.07B3.24B3.15B3.15B3.06B
Total Debt
1.35B1.40B1.24B1.18B1.59B
Net Debt
1.32B1.36B1.20B1.14B1.56B
Total Liabilities
1.91B1.98B1.85B1.81B2.21B
Stockholders Equity
1.13B1.17B1.20B1.23B684.68M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
-74.96M-75.88M28.10M21.73M-69.15M
Operating Cash Flow
45.83M45.54M139.82M141.22M28.68M
Investing Cash Flow
19.28M-112.59M-121.47M-153.41M-168.13M
Financing Cash Flow
-73.95M71.86M-16.84M16.10M139.44M

Krispy Kreme Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price2.73
Price Trends
50DMA
4.81
Negative
100DMA
6.87
Negative
200DMA
8.88
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.37
Positive
RSI
21.12
Positive
STOCH
33.68
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For DNUT, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 2.73 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 4.11, below the 50-day MA of 4.81, and below the 200-day MA of 8.88, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.37 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 21.12 is Positive, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 33.68 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for DNUT.

Krispy Kreme Risk Analysis

Krispy Kreme disclosed 37 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Krispy Kreme reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Krispy Kreme Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
WMWMK
77
Outperform
$2.39B21.657.54%1.69%1.76%6.01%
74
Outperform
$482.27M9.7211.59%2.76%3.96%3.39%
71
Outperform
$1.37B33.5823.38%0.74%9.36%43.17%
GOGO
65
Neutral
$1.60B41.111.43%10.37%-73.84%
61
Neutral
$6.68B11.753.01%3.94%2.61%-21.96%
61
Neutral
$1.16B15.344.00%1.07%-7.79%-64.85%
54
Neutral
$466.28M238.55-1.92%5.13%-6.55%53.81%
* Consumer Cyclical Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
DNUT
Krispy Kreme
2.73
-9.37
-77.44%
IMKTA
Ingles Markets
61.49
-11.51
-15.77%
VLGEA
Village Super Market
36.26
7.38
25.55%
WMK
Weis Markets
80.58
15.82
24.43%
NGVC
Natural Grocers
59.74
40.52
210.82%
GO
Grocery Outlet Holding
14.40
-5.37
-27.16%

Krispy Kreme Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 08, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: -36.95%|
Next Earnings Date:Aug 13, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a mix of progress and challenges. While Krispy Kreme is expanding internationally and improving operational efficiencies, it faces significant challenges with its McDonald's partnership and financial pressures from declining organic revenue and cybersecurity impacts. The company's focus on deleveraging and strategic growth is counterbalanced by the need to pause expansion efforts and reassess strategies.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Expansion in International Markets
Krispy Kreme opened in Brazil with $100,000 in sales in the first two days, surpassing the France launch in 2023. The company is considering refranchising operations in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Mexico, the UK, and Ireland to strengthen its capital-light international franchise growth.
Cost Reduction and Operational Efficiency
Krispy Kreme has begun outsourcing fresh doughnut delivery, expecting 15% of the network to be outsourced by May, with further plans to fully outsource US logistics by mid-next year. This move has resulted in excellent service rates and predictable costs.
New Marketing Campaigns and Product Innovations
Krispy Kreme is launching a multimedia marketing campaign on June 6, National Donut Day. The company has seen success with new product innovations like the Fruity Pebbles glaze, which sold out daily in April.
Increase in Points of Access
The company has added nearly 100 new cabinets to its DFD channel, bringing the total to more than 600. Krispy Kreme is also expanding availability through new partnerships with Costco and a pilot with Sam's Club.
Improvement in Employee Turnover
Krispy Kreme has improved employee turnover by over 30% year over year, supported by new role-based training, onboarding programs, and an incentive program.
Negative Updates
Challenges with McDonald's Partnership
After initial marketing, demand for Krispy Kreme products at McDonald's locations dropped below expectations. Krispy Kreme and McDonald's have paused further expansion to reassess the deployment schedule and improve profitability.
Decline in Organic Revenue
Organic revenue declined by 1% due to consumer softness in a challenging macro environment, resulting in a Q1 net revenue of $375.2 million.
US Retail Segment Weakness
The US segment saw an organic revenue decline of 2.6% due to consumer softness and a planned reduction of discount days. Adjusted EBITDA for the US dropped to $15.9 million.
Cybersecurity Impact and Financial Challenges
The 2024 cybersecurity incident resulted in $5 million of operational inefficiencies. Adjusted EBITDA was $24 million with a margin of 6.4%, affected by the cybersecurity impacts and costs from US expansion.
Withdrawal of Full-Year Outlook
Due to macroeconomic softness and uncertainty around the McDonald's partnership, Krispy Kreme has withdrawn its prior full-year outlook.
Discontinuation of Quarterly Dividend
Krispy Kreme has decided to discontinue the quarterly dividend to redirect capital towards debt repayment.
Company Guidance
During the Krispy Kreme First Quarter 2025 Earnings Call, the company outlined several strategic initiatives aimed at driving profitable growth and improving financial flexibility. The company is focusing on its long-term goal of reaching 100,000 points of access, emphasizing profitable U.S. expansion and capital-light international franchise growth. In Q1 2025, Krispy Kreme reported net revenue of $375.2 million and an adjusted EBITDA of $24 million with a margin of 6.4%. The U.S. segment saw an organic revenue decline of 2.6%, with an average revenue per door per week (APD) of $587. Internationally, organic revenue grew by 1.5%, led by strong performance in Canada. The company is also pursuing a refranchising strategy in certain international markets, aiming to deleverage the balance sheet and strengthen financial stability. For Q2, Krispy Kreme expects revenue between $370 and $385 million and adjusted EBITDA of $30 to $35 million. The company also announced the discontinuation of its quarterly dividend to prioritize debt repayment.

Krispy Kreme Corporate Events

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Krispy Kreme Secures $125M Loan Amid Revenue Decline
Negative
May 8, 2025

On May 2 and May 7, 2025, Krispy Kreme, Inc. executed amendments to its existing credit agreement, securing $125 million in incremental term loan commitments to support general corporate purposes, including working capital and capital expenditures. The company reported a net revenue of $375.2 million for the first quarter of 2025, a decline of 15.3% compared to the previous year, primarily due to the divestiture of a majority stake in Insomnia Cookies. Despite the challenging macroeconomic environment, Krispy Kreme aims to focus on profitable U.S. expansion and international franchise growth, while addressing debt reduction and improving cash flow.

Spark’s Take on DNUT Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, DNUT is a Neutral.

Krispy Kreme’s overall stock score reflects a mixed outlook. Financial performance is under pressure due to inconsistent profitability and high debt levels, while technical analysis suggests bearish trends. Valuation concerns arise from a high P/E ratio, although the dividend yield provides some compensation. The earnings call presents a balanced view with potential for growth, tempered by operational challenges. The recent corporate event of appointing a new COO offers a positive strategic development, potentially enhancing operational efficiency.

To see Spark’s full report on DNUT stock, click here.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Krispy Kreme Appoints Nicola J. Steele as COO
Positive
Mar 3, 2025

On March 3, 2025, Krispy Kreme appointed Nicola J. Steele as the Chief Operating Officer. Ms. Steele has been with the company since 2006, holding various leadership roles in Australia and New Zealand. Her new compensation package includes a $400,000 annual salary, participation in the company’s bonus and long-term incentive programs, and a one-time award of restricted stock units. This appointment is part of Krispy Kreme’s strategic leadership development, potentially strengthening its operational capabilities and market positioning.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.