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European Wax Center (EWCZ)
NASDAQ:EWCZ
US Market

European Wax Center (EWCZ) AI Stock Analysis

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EW

European Wax Center

(NASDAQ:EWCZ)

Rating:68Neutral
Price Target:
$6.00
▲(5.26%Upside)
European Wax Center scores moderately due to strong cash flow and operational efficiency, despite low net profit margins and some technical concerns. The company's strategic initiatives and fair valuation contribute positively, although challenges remain with store closures and tariff impacts.
Positive Factors
Financial Performance
Raising target price from $4.50 to $6 reflects higher estimates and a higher terminal multiple in the DCF, given underlying comps have stabilized and no more franchise store closures were announced.
Leadership and Strategy
New leadership is doing what they can to reignite comp growth and get better visibility into franchise-level store profitability, including retooling their marketing efforts to bring new customers into centers.
Profitability and Cash Flow
EWCZ’s profitable model and strong free cash flow warrant a higher multiple than the current 7x EV/EBITDA.
Negative Factors
Business Visibility
Analyst remains Underweight rated given limited visibility on how EWCZ's initiatives will unfold and whether unit growth can resume by the end of '26.
Market Challenges
Near-term macro challenges are also weighing, with transactions declining and lower engagement from new guests.
Store Closures and Unit Growth
Shares are down (~15%) as the number of store closures in '25 will likely be more than previously expected.

European Wax Center (EWCZ) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

European Wax Center Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionEuropean Wax Center, Inc. operates as the franchisor and operator of out-of-home waxing services in the United States. The company offers body and facial waxing services; and pre- and post-service products, including ingrown hair serums, exfoliating gels, brow shapers, and skin treatments. As of March 26, 2022, it had a portfolio of centers operating in 874 locations across 44 states, including 868 franchised centers and six corporate-owned centers. European Wax Center, Inc. was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Plano, Texas.
How the Company Makes MoneyEuropean Wax Center generates revenue primarily through its franchise model, where it licenses its brand and business model to franchisees who operate the individual locations. The company earns money from franchise fees, which include initial setup fees and ongoing royalties based on the franchisees' sales. Additionally, the company sells proprietary skincare products, such as exfoliants and lotions, both in-store and online, which contribute to its revenue stream. Partnerships with vendors for skincare products and collaborations in marketing and promotions also play a role in enhancing its brand presence and revenue potential.

European Wax Center Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 14, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: 43.94%|
Next Earnings Date:Sep 16, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a mixed sentiment with solid financial results and marketing improvements, but also highlighted challenges such as center closures, uncertain environments, and tariff impacts. The company is actively addressing these issues and leveraging new marketing strategies to drive growth.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Solid First Quarter Results
European Wax Center delivered $225.9 million in system-wide sales, 70 basis points of positive same-store sales growth, and $18.8 million in adjusted EBITDA.
Same-Store Sales Growth
Same-store sales grew by 70 basis points. Adjusting for the Easter shift, it was approximately flat, indicating stabilization.
Improved Marketing Efficiency
New technology has improved the efficiency of paid media dollars, lowering cost per acquisition and showing early signs of traction with new guests.
Strong Cash Flow and Balance Sheet
Net cash provided by operating activities was $12.7 million with a strong free cash flow profile, maintaining a healthy balance sheet and a net leverage ratio of 4.3x.
Negative Updates
Center Closures
European Wax Center closed a net total of 5 centers in Q1 and expects 40 to 60 closures for the year, indicating underperformance in certain locations.
Uncertain Consumer and Supply Chain Environment
Acknowledged uncertainties in the consumer backdrop and supply chain environment, impacting business operations and growth strategies.
Reduced Revenue from Retail and Wholesale
Total revenue decreased by approximately $400,000 or 90 basis points, primarily due to lower retail and wholesale product revenue.
Tariff Impact Concerns
Potential impact of increased tariffs on product costs, with a portion of medical supplies and components sourced from China and Europe.
Company Guidance
During the European Wax Center's First Quarter Fiscal 2025 Earnings Call, CEO Chris Morris reported system-wide sales of $225.9 million, reflecting a 2.1% increase from the previous year, alongside a 70 basis points increase in same-store sales. The company achieved an adjusted EBITDA of $18.8 million. The guidance for fiscal 2025 was reiterated, with expectations for system-wide sales between $940 million and $960 million and same-store sales growth ranging from flat to 2%. The call also highlighted strategic efforts to enhance marketing effectiveness, improve franchisee support, and optimize new center expansion, aiming to drive sales, improve four-wall profitability, and reignite unit growth by the end of 2026.

European Wax Center Financial Statement Overview

Summary
European Wax Center demonstrates solid revenue growth and strong cash flow management, although profitability margins are inconsistent. The balance sheet shows high leverage, posing a risk, but improvements in equity position are promising.
Income Statement
68
Positive
The income statement shows steady revenue growth with a slight dip in the latest year. Gross profit margin remains healthy, indicating efficient cost management. However, net profit margin and EBIT margins show some fluctuations, suggesting challenges in maintaining profitability. Despite this, the company has shown improvement in EBITDA margin over time.
Balance Sheet
55
Neutral
The balance sheet highlights a high debt-to-equity ratio, indicating significant leverage. However, the company has improved its equity position over time. Return on equity is moderate, suggesting decent profitability relative to shareholders' equity. The equity ratio is low, reflecting a reliance on debt financing.
Cash Flow
74
Positive
Cash flow analysis indicates strong free cash flow growth, showcasing effective cash generation capabilities. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is robust, indicating good cash conversion efficiency. Additionally, free cash flow to net income ratio demonstrates strong cash profitability.
Breakdown
Mar 2025Mar 2024Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
216.92M221.02M207.35M178.68M103.41M
Gross Profit
159.60M158.39M148.12M131.84M67.90M
EBIT
47.76M44.86M-15.95M24.37M-2.17M
EBITDA
62.64M65.44M4.28M45.03M16.36M
Net Income Common Stockholders
10.46M8.93M13.61M3.97M-39.77M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
49.73M52.73M44.22M43.30M36.72M
Total Assets
707.07M735.73M716.03M613.44M606.90M
Total Debt
380.82M380.39M380.47M178.23M265.40M
Net Debt
331.09M327.65M336.25M134.93M228.68M
Total Liabilities
615.48M619.11M585.73M272.20M288.88M
Stockholders Equity
64.05M83.34M79.00M-3.53M-62.00M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
55.98M54.82M44.11M33.14M-35.45M
Operating Cash Flow
56.51M55.60M44.35M41.35M1.40M
Investing Cash Flow
-386.00K-785.00K-245.00K-8.20M-36.84M
Financing Cash Flow
-59.15M-46.38M-36.62M-26.56M61.90M

European Wax Center Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price5.70
Price Trends
50DMA
4.07
Positive
100DMA
5.09
Positive
200DMA
5.86
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
0.44
Negative
RSI
69.45
Neutral
STOCH
66.47
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For EWCZ, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 5.7 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 4.93, above the 50-day MA of 4.07, and below the 200-day MA of 5.86, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.44 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 69.45 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 66.47 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for EWCZ.

European Wax Center Risk Analysis

European Wax Center disclosed 68 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. European Wax Center 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

European Wax Center Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (62)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
68
Neutral
$313.57M27.9111.85%-2.93%-17.72%
ACACU
68
Neutral
$149.81M16.139.68%1.52%2.56%-47.22%
62
Neutral
$6.93B11.252.95%3.88%2.69%-24.71%
56
Neutral
$2.76M1.82-1.68%6.27%-34.07%
56
Neutral
$207.92M-70.44%-17.97%49.13%
NUNUS
54
Neutral
$395.80M-4.93%3.00%-11.85%-1080.00%
46
Neutral
$54.34M-180.03%-19.83%22.76%
* Consumer Cyclical Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
EWCZ
European Wax Center
5.70
-6.13
-51.82%
ACU
Acme United
39.44
4.31
12.27%
NUS
Nu Skin
7.88
-5.22
-39.85%
TANH
Tantech Holdings
2.16
-34.44
-94.10%
SKIN
Beauty Health
1.67
-0.41
-19.71%
GROV
Grove Collaborative Holdings
1.32
-0.27
-16.98%

European Wax Center Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
European Wax Center Elects New Board Directors
Neutral
Jun 5, 2025

On June 3, 2025, European Wax Center, Inc. held its annual meeting of stockholders, where key proposals were voted upon. The stockholders elected directors Alexa Bartlett and Julia Hunter to the Board of Directors for a three-year term. Additionally, the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending January 3, 2026, was ratified.

The most recent analyst rating on (EWCZ) stock is a Buy with a $6.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on European Wax Center stock, see the EWCZ Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
European Wax Center Approves 2025 Inducement Plan
Positive
Mar 21, 2025

On March 21, 2025, European Wax Center’s board approved the 2025 Inducement Plan, allowing the company to grant up to 4,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock as stock-based awards to new or returning employees. This strategic move, not requiring stockholder approval, aims to enhance the company’s ability to attract and retain talent, potentially strengthening its market position and operational capabilities.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
European Wax Center Appoints New CFO Amid Strategic Shifts
Neutral
Mar 11, 2025

European Wax Center announced the appointment of Thomas Kim as Chief Financial Officer, effective April 7, 2025, succeeding Stacie Shirley who will remain as a strategic advisor until April 30, 2025. The company reported its fiscal 2024 results, highlighting a 21.9% increase in GAAP net income and a 15.2% rise in adjusted net income, despite a slight decrease in system-wide sales and total revenue. Looking forward, the company anticipates a transitional year in 2025, with plans to open 10-12 new centers and close 40-60 centers, while focusing on improving its marketing and support infrastructure to drive long-term growth.

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.