Noodles & Company posts Q3 2026 earnings beat, raises full‑year revenue outlook

Noodles & Company reported third‑quarter 2026 revenue of $120.9 million, down 1.0% year‑over‑year, but beat analysts on both earnings and sales. Adjusted loss narrowed to $0.04 per share and restaurant contribution margin expanded to 16.7% from 13.2% a year earlier. The company lifted its full‑year 2026 revenue guidance to $485 million‑$495 million and projected adjusted EBITDA of $35 million‑$37 million.

The earnings beat and higher guidance prompted a 5% pre‑market rally in NDLS shares, giving investors a short‑term price boost. The raised outlook also sets a higher revenue target for the year, which could improve future cash‑flow expectations.

  • 1Q3 2026 revenue was $120.9 million, down 1.0% YoY.
  • 2Adjusted loss per diluted share was $0.04, versus $0.82 a year earlier.
  • 3Restaurant contribution margin increased to 16.7% from 13.2% a year ago.
  • 4System‑wide comparable restaurant sales grew 9.5% in the quarter.
  • 5Adjusted EBITDA rose 34.3% to $8.7 million.
  • 6Full‑year 2026 revenue guidance was raised to $485 million‑$495 million.

Sources