Topic: How To Invest

Q: I am interested in European Wax Center (EWCZ) given the company’s business model and the rising demand for its services.

Article Excerpt

A: European Wax Center Inc., $5.93, symbol EWCZ on Nasdaq, (Shares outstanding: 55.9 million; Market cap: $346.8 million; www.waxcenter.com) is a leading franchisor of out-of-home hair removal services. Founded in 2004 by brothers David and Joshua Coba, European Wax Center offers waxing services and its own line of products. These include products designed to soothe skin pre- and post-waxing, prevent blemishes, and slow hair regrowth. The company also earns considerable recurring revenue through its Wax Pass program, which allows guests to prepay for a set number of visits or an unlimited number. European Wax went public in August 2021, selling 10.6 million shares at $17 each. Since then, its shares have fallen by 65%. The COVID-19 lockdowns cut revenue by 32.9%, from $154.2 million in 2019 to $103.4 million in 2020. Revenue then rebounded 72.8% to $178.7 million in 2021 as pandemic restrictions eased and the company opened new locations. Revenue continued to improve, gaining 16.0% to $207.4 million in 2022 and rising…