Krispy Kreme Q1 Revenue Reaches $367M
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 07 2026
0mins
Should l Buy DNUT?
Reports Q1 revenue $367M, consensus $359.43M. "The first quarter highlighted significant progress across every pillar of our turnaround plan. We reduced net leverage, increased adjusted EBITDA margin by 260 basis points, and delivered positive free cash flow. We also closed two refranchising transactions, expanded access to our fresh doughnuts in the U.S. quarter-over-quarter, and accelerated the outsourcing of U.S. logistics, which is now complete. Strong consumer demand during recent holidays such as Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day also demonstrated that we remain a top choice for gifting, sharing, and celebrating," said Krispy Kreme CEO Josh Charlesworth. "We expect this momentum to continue through 2026, driven by profitable growth in the U.S. with key strategic partners, higher digital sales, and international expansion. For the full year, we are issuing guidance for net revenue and adjusted EBITDA, updating our net leverage reduction target, and reaffirming our outlook for systemwide sales growth."
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Analyst Views on DNUT
Wall Street analysts forecast DNUT stock price to rise
3 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
0 Hold
2 Sell
Moderate Sell
Current: 3.210
Low
3.00
Averages
4.00
High
5.00
Current: 3.210
Low
3.00
Averages
4.00
High
5.00
About DNUT
Krispy Kreme, Inc. and its subsidiaries operate through its omni-channel business model to produce doughnuts and deliver fresh doughnut experiences for Doughnut Shops, Delivered Fresh Daily (DFD) Doors, and digital channels, expanding consumer access to the Krispy Kreme brand. The Company operates through three segments: U.S., International and Market Development. The U.S. segment includes all Krispy Kreme Company-owned operations in the U.S. The International segment includes all Krispy Kreme Company-owned operations in the U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Canada, and Japan. The Market Development segment includes franchise operations across the globe. It operates in more than 40 countries through its network of fresh doughnut shops, partnerships with retailers, and a rapidly growing digital business with more than 17,500 fresh points of access.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Krispy Kreme Offers Free Doughnuts to Class of 2026 Graduates
- Exclusive Graduate Offer: On May 21, Krispy Kreme is giving away free 3-packs of Original Glazed® doughnuts to graduates of the Class of 2026, celebrating their achievements and adding sweetness to their next chapter.
- Simple Participation Requirements: Graduates can simply show up in Class of 2026 attire or related memorabilia at participating Krispy Kreme locations to receive their free pack, limited to one per guest, ensuring every graduate can enjoy this sweet reward.
- Brand Promotion Initiative: Krispy Kreme encourages graduates to share their celebrations on social media using the #KrispyKreme tag, which enhances brand visibility and customer engagement while strengthening connections with younger consumers.
- Spring Product Line: In addition to the graduation doughnuts, Krispy Kreme has launched a Spring Seasonal Collection, offering a variety of options to entice customers during celebrations, further driving sales growth.
See More
Krispy Kreme Launches Summer Orange Dreamsicle Doughnuts
- Limited-Time Offer: Krispy Kreme is offering the Orange Dreamsicle Original Glazed Dozen for just $5 with the purchase of any dozen at regular price from May 14 to 17, aiming to attract summer consumers and boost sales.
- Product Innovation: The new Orange Dreamsicle doughnuts are inspired by the classic orange-and-cream ice cream treat, combining a smooth vanilla finish with bright citrus flavor to deliver a feel-good summer experience, enhancing brand appeal.
- Social Media Engagement: Krispy Kreme encourages customers to share their Orange Dreamsicle experiences on social media using the #KrispyKreme tag, aiming to increase brand visibility and customer engagement through user-generated content.
- Digital Ordering Convenience: Customers can place orders through Krispy Kreme's app or website using promo code ORANGE, further driving growth in digital sales channels and meeting modern consumers' demand for convenient shopping.
See More
Krispy Kreme Q1 2026 Earnings Call Insights
- Sales Growth Outlook: Krispy Kreme anticipates system-wide sales growth of 2% to 4% in 2026, reaching over $2 billion, primarily driven by international expansion, indicating the company's potential for growth and strategic positioning in global markets.
- Financial Performance Improvement: The first quarter net revenue was $367 million, down 2.2% year-over-year, yet adjusted EBITDA increased by 38% to $33.1 million, showcasing significant progress in cost control and operational efficiency.
- Franchise Mix Enhancement: Following first-quarter refranchising transactions, the expected percentage of franchise sales is projected to rise to 42%, moving towards a goal of 50% by 2027, reflecting positive advancements in the company's business model transformation.
- International Market Expansion Plan: Krispy Kreme plans to open its first Hot Light Theater shop in the Netherlands by late 2026, with a broader goal of expanding to approximately 30 shops in the country over the next five years, demonstrating its long-term strategic focus on international growth.
See More
Krispy Kreme Q4 Earnings Report Analysis
- Earnings Performance: Krispy Kreme reported a Q4 non-GAAP EPS of -$0.05, missing expectations by $0.03, indicating ongoing challenges in profitability that may affect investor confidence.
- Revenue Trends: The company's revenue of $367 million represents a 9.2% year-over-year decline, although it exceeded market expectations by $7.57 million, yet the persistent revenue drop could pressure future growth.
- Net Loss Improvement: The GAAP net loss of $22.7 million improved by $10.7 million year-over-year, suggesting progress in cost control and operational efficiency, potentially laying the groundwork for future profitability.
- Cash Flow Status: Cash provided by operating activities reached $20.2 million, an increase of $41 million, while free cash flow of $11.4 million rose by $58.1 million, demonstrating improved cash management that supports future expansion plans.
See More
Krispy Kreme Launches Mother's Day Mini Doughnuts
- Mother's Day Special: Krispy Kreme has launched a limited-time 'Minis for Mom' collection featuring two new mini doughnuts alongside two fan-favorites, aimed at enhancing the festive atmosphere of Mother's Day and increasing brand visibility in the holiday market.
- Product Highlights: The new collection includes Mini Strawberries & Crème and Mini Heart of Gold doughnuts, both based on the classic Mini Original Glazed, showcasing the brand's balance between innovation and tradition, appealing to a broad consumer base.
- Diverse Sales Channels: The collection is available for purchase at participating Krispy Kreme shops nationwide and can also be ordered for pickup or delivery via the app and website, enhancing consumer convenience and purchasing experience, which is expected to drive sales growth.
- Brand Promotion Campaign: Krispy Kreme encourages consumers to share their Mother's Day celebrations on social media using the #KrispyKreme tag, increasing brand exposure and further enhancing engagement and loyalty with consumers.
See More
Krispy Kreme to Release Q1 2026 Earnings Results
- Earnings Release Schedule: Krispy Kreme will announce its Q1 2026 earnings results on May 7, 2026, with related slides available on the company's website at 6:45 AM Eastern Time, ensuring timely access to key information for investors.
- Management Conference Call: The management team will host a conference call and webcast at 8:30 AM Eastern Time on the same day to discuss the earnings results, enhancing interaction and transparency with investors.
- Registration and Participation: Investors can register for the conference call via the provided link, receiving a confirmation email with dial-in details and unique conference codes to ensure smooth access for participants.
- Webcast Replay Availability: After the meeting, a replay of the webcast along with the earnings press release and related materials will be available on the company's website for 12 months, allowing investors to review important information at their convenience.
See More
Krispy Kreme Offers Free Doughnuts to Class of 2026 Graduates
- Exclusive Graduate Offer: On May 21, Krispy Kreme is giving away free 3-packs of Original Glazed® doughnuts to graduates of the Class of 2026, celebrating their achievements and adding sweetness to their next chapter.
- Simple Participation Requirements: Graduates can simply show up in Class of 2026 attire or related memorabilia at participating Krispy Kreme locations to receive their free pack, limited to one per guest, ensuring every graduate can enjoy this sweet reward.
- Brand Promotion Initiative: Krispy Kreme encourages graduates to share their celebrations on social media using the #KrispyKreme tag, which enhances brand visibility and customer engagement while strengthening connections with younger consumers.
- Spring Product Line: In addition to the graduation doughnuts, Krispy Kreme has launched a Spring Seasonal Collection, offering a variety of options to entice customers during celebrations, further driving sales growth.
See More
Krispy Kreme Launches Summer Orange Dreamsicle Doughnuts
- Limited-Time Offer: Krispy Kreme is offering the Orange Dreamsicle Original Glazed Dozen for just $5 with the purchase of any dozen at regular price from May 14 to 17, aiming to attract summer consumers and boost sales.
- Product Innovation: The new Orange Dreamsicle doughnuts are inspired by the classic orange-and-cream ice cream treat, combining a smooth vanilla finish with bright citrus flavor to deliver a feel-good summer experience, enhancing brand appeal.
- Social Media Engagement: Krispy Kreme encourages customers to share their Orange Dreamsicle experiences on social media using the #KrispyKreme tag, aiming to increase brand visibility and customer engagement through user-generated content.
- Digital Ordering Convenience: Customers can place orders through Krispy Kreme's app or website using promo code ORANGE, further driving growth in digital sales channels and meeting modern consumers' demand for convenient shopping.
See More
Krispy Kreme Q1 2026 Earnings Call Insights
- Sales Growth Outlook: Krispy Kreme anticipates system-wide sales growth of 2% to 4% in 2026, reaching over $2 billion, primarily driven by international expansion, indicating the company's potential for growth and strategic positioning in global markets.
- Financial Performance Improvement: The first quarter net revenue was $367 million, down 2.2% year-over-year, yet adjusted EBITDA increased by 38% to $33.1 million, showcasing significant progress in cost control and operational efficiency.
- Franchise Mix Enhancement: Following first-quarter refranchising transactions, the expected percentage of franchise sales is projected to rise to 42%, moving towards a goal of 50% by 2027, reflecting positive advancements in the company's business model transformation.
- International Market Expansion Plan: Krispy Kreme plans to open its first Hot Light Theater shop in the Netherlands by late 2026, with a broader goal of expanding to approximately 30 shops in the country over the next five years, demonstrating its long-term strategic focus on international growth.
See More
Krispy Kreme Q4 Earnings Report Analysis
- Earnings Performance: Krispy Kreme reported a Q4 non-GAAP EPS of -$0.05, missing expectations by $0.03, indicating ongoing challenges in profitability that may affect investor confidence.
- Revenue Trends: The company's revenue of $367 million represents a 9.2% year-over-year decline, although it exceeded market expectations by $7.57 million, yet the persistent revenue drop could pressure future growth.
- Net Loss Improvement: The GAAP net loss of $22.7 million improved by $10.7 million year-over-year, suggesting progress in cost control and operational efficiency, potentially laying the groundwork for future profitability.
- Cash Flow Status: Cash provided by operating activities reached $20.2 million, an increase of $41 million, while free cash flow of $11.4 million rose by $58.1 million, demonstrating improved cash management that supports future expansion plans.
See More
Krispy Kreme Launches Mother's Day Mini Doughnuts
- Mother's Day Special: Krispy Kreme has launched a limited-time 'Minis for Mom' collection featuring two new mini doughnuts alongside two fan-favorites, aimed at enhancing the festive atmosphere of Mother's Day and increasing brand visibility in the holiday market.
- Product Highlights: The new collection includes Mini Strawberries & Crème and Mini Heart of Gold doughnuts, both based on the classic Mini Original Glazed, showcasing the brand's balance between innovation and tradition, appealing to a broad consumer base.
- Diverse Sales Channels: The collection is available for purchase at participating Krispy Kreme shops nationwide and can also be ordered for pickup or delivery via the app and website, enhancing consumer convenience and purchasing experience, which is expected to drive sales growth.
- Brand Promotion Campaign: Krispy Kreme encourages consumers to share their Mother's Day celebrations on social media using the #KrispyKreme tag, increasing brand exposure and further enhancing engagement and loyalty with consumers.
See More
Krispy Kreme to Release Q1 2026 Earnings Results
- Earnings Release Schedule: Krispy Kreme will announce its Q1 2026 earnings results on May 7, 2026, with related slides available on the company's website at 6:45 AM Eastern Time, ensuring timely access to key information for investors.
- Management Conference Call: The management team will host a conference call and webcast at 8:30 AM Eastern Time on the same day to discuss the earnings results, enhancing interaction and transparency with investors.
- Registration and Participation: Investors can register for the conference call via the provided link, receiving a confirmation email with dial-in details and unique conference codes to ensure smooth access for participants.
- Webcast Replay Availability: After the meeting, a replay of the webcast along with the earnings press release and related materials will be available on the company's website for 12 months, allowing investors to review important information at their convenience.
See More
