Krispy Kreme Shares Up 28% After Better-Than-Expected Q4 Earnings

By Karen Roman

Krispy Kreme, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNUT) shares surged 28% after it said fourth quarter net revenue was $392.4 million compared to $404 million the year prior, while adjusted EBITDA was $55.6 million, up by 21%.

Adjusted earnings per share were $ 0.09, increasing from $ 0.01 the year prior, while adjusted EBITDA margin grew 280 basis points to 14.2%, the company stated.

The fiscal outlook for 2026 estimates systemwide sales growth between 2% to 4% in constant currency from $1.96 billion in 2025, and a net leverage ratio at or below 5.5x, it said.

“During the fourth quarter, we demonstrated meaningful progress on our turnaround, unlocking strong consumer demand for Krispy Kreme’s iconic, fresh doughnuts through our two biggest opportunities: profitable U.S. expansion and capital-light international franchise growth,” said Josh Charlesworth, Krispy Kreme CEO.

The company is undergoing a turnaround plan to deleverage its balance sheet and is based on refranchising, improving return on invested capital, expanding margins, and driving sustainable and profitable growth, it stated.

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