Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (BBW) AI Stock Analysis
BBW AI stock analysis summary
AI ResearchBuild-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (BBW) is a specialty retailer offering customizable plush animals and accessories across retail, commercial, and franchise channels. The company generated $529.8M in revenue in FY2026 and delivered trailing twelve-month earnings per share of $4.21. However, recent momentum has slowed, with quarterly revenue falling 7.2% year-over-year in the period ended July 31, 2026.
- Market cap
- $307.5M
- Revenue (TTM)
- $517.8M
- P/E
- 5.9x fwd 6.9x
- 1Y return
- -54.3% S&P 500 16.8%
- Avg. target
- $45.00 80.3% vs last close
Bull case
- The stock trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 5.9x, well below the peer median of 18.0x.
- Trailing twelve-month return on equity reached 32.8%, supported by an annual gross margin of 55.8% in FY2026.
- Share repurchases helped decrease the total share count by 23.4% over the past five years.
Bear case
- In the latest quarter ended July 31, 2026, quarterly earnings fell 25.5% alongside a 7.2% revenue drop.
- The stock declined 58.4% year-to-date and trades 35.5% below its 200-day moving average.
- Short interest represents 27.4% of the float, signaling substantial negative market sentiment.
What Build-A-Bear Workshop does
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. is a multi-channel retailer specializing in plush animals and related merchandise. Operating through Direct-to-Consumer, Commercial, and International Franchising segments, the company offers plush items that customers can stuff themselves, pre-stuffed items, and customizable additions including sounds and scents. Its product catalog also includes clothing, shoes, accessories, and novelty items. The company engages consumers through physical retail stores and e-commerce platforms. Founded in 1997 and based in St. Louis, Missouri, Build-A-Bear Workshop also expands its global presence through international franchising agreements.
Growth and profitability
Between FY2021 and FY2026, Build-A-Bear Workshop generated a 5-year revenue compound annual growth rate of 15.7%. Annual revenue rose from $411.5M in FY2022 to $529.8M in FY2026, while net income increased from $47.3M to $52.2M over the same timeframe. Gross margin expanded from 53.0% in FY2022 to 55.8% in FY2026, and operating margin reached 12.2%. In the trailing twelve months, revenue reached $517.8M with a profit margin of 10.0%. However, in the latest quarter ended July 31, 2026, quarterly revenue fell 7.2% and quarterly earnings declined 25.5% compared to the prior year.
Balance sheet and cash flow
As of July 31, 2026, Build-A-Bear Workshop held $14.0M in cash and short-term investments against total debt of $125.5M, resulting in net debt of $111.5M. Total assets stood at $334.1M and shareholders' equity was $159.0M, reflecting a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79 and a current ratio of 1.60. In FY2026, the company generated operating cash flow of $65.1M and free cash flow of $39.5M. Capital allocation in FY2026 included $25.5M for capital expenditures, $27.7M for share buybacks, and $11.5M for dividends paid.
Valuation and performance
Build-A-Bear Workshop carries a market capitalization of $307.5M and an enterprise value of $431.3M. The stock trades at a trailing price-to-earnings multiple of 5.9x and a forward multiple of 6.9x, both below the median of its US-listed Consumer Cyclical peers of 18.0x and 14.1x, respectively. Its enterprise value to EBITDA sits at 5.2x compared to the peer median of 11.1x. Over the past year, the shares fell 54.3%, trailing the S&P 500 return of 16.8%, though its 5-year return of 94.3% exceeded the benchmark return of 83.0%.
BBW dividend
Build-A-Bear Workshop pays a quarterly dividend with an annual forward payout of $0.92 per share, representing a dividend yield of 3.69%. The payout ratio stands at 25.2%. The company has paid dividends for 4 consecutive years, and its most recent ex-dividend date occurred on September 24, 2026.
What analysts expect
Wall Street coverage includes 2 Strong Buy ratings and 1 Buy rating from 3 analysts. The mean price target is $45.00, representing an 80.3% premium over the last close of $24.96. For the current fiscal year ending January 31, 2027, consensus estimates project revenue of $508.9M and earnings per share of $3.57, which represents an earnings decline of 10.5%. Build-A-Bear Workshop beat earnings estimates in 3 of the last 4 quarters, and its next earnings date is December 3, 2026.
Key risks and what to watch
- Revenue for the current fiscal year is estimated to contract to $508.9M compared to $529.8M in FY2026.
- Net debt stands at $111.5M with cash reserves at $14.0M as of July 31, 2026.
- Current fiscal year earnings per share are projected to decline 10.5% to $3.57.
AI-generated research summary. Written with AI from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 and checked so every figure matches that data. For information only, not investment advice. Disclaimer
About this BBW AI stock analysis
This page is an AI-written research summary of Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (BBW). The text was generated on October 30, 2026 from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 (company profile, annual results, latest balance sheet, valuation, price performance and analyst estimates). An automatic check rejects any draft that contains a figure not found in that data. It is not investment advice; verify figures on the linked tabs before making decisions.
Related: BBW income statement, BBW balance sheet, BBW key metrics, BBW analyst forecast, BBW chart. See the BBW stock overview for the latest quote and news.
BBW AI stock analysis FAQ
What is Build-A-Bear Workshop's dividend yield?
Build-A-Bear Workshop offers a forward annual dividend of $0.92 per share, which equates to a dividend yield of 3.69% with a payout ratio of 25.2%.
What is the consensus analyst target for BBW stock?
The mean analyst price target is $45.00, which is 80.3% above the closing price of $24.96 on October 16, 2026.
How much debt does Build-A-Bear Workshop hold?
As of July 31, 2026, the company held $125.5M in total debt and $14.0M in cash and short-term investments, leaving net debt at $111.5M.
When does Build-A-Bear Workshop report earnings next?
The company's next earnings report is scheduled for December 3, 2026.