Krispy Kreme's Departure from Japan Might Provide the Boost Needed for Its Comeback
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 19 2025
0mins
Should l Buy DNUT?
Source: Benzinga
Stock Performance: Krispy Kreme's stock rose 1.29% to $4.69 following a strategic update regarding its international operations and a refranchising agreement.
Refranchising Agreement: The company announced a major agreement to transfer its Japan operations to Unison Capital, Inc., with expected cash proceeds of approximately $65 million, contingent on fiscal year 2025 results.
Financial Strategy: This transaction marks Krispy Kreme's first international refranchising deal since its turnaround plan began, aimed at improving liquidity and reducing leverage.
Management Insights: CEO Josh Charlesworth emphasized the importance of the sale for advancing the refranchising initiative, while Unison Capital expressed excitement about the growth potential of Krispy Kreme's Japan operations.
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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: 2.990
Low
3.00
Averages
4.00
High
5.00
Current: 2.990
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.
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- Earnings Release Schedule: Krispy Kreme will issue its fourth quarter and full year 2025 earnings results on February 26, 2026, providing related slides to enhance investor understanding of the company's performance.
- Live Conference Call: Management will host a conference call and webcast at 8:30 AM Eastern Time on the same day to discuss the earnings results in depth, aiming to improve transparency and communication with investors.
- Registration and Access: Investors can register for the call via the company website, receiving a confirmation email with dial-in details and unique conference codes to ensure smooth participation.
- Replay and Material Access: After the call, the webcast replay and earnings press release will be available on the company website for 12 months, further enhancing the accessibility of information for investors.
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- Coupon Redemption: Guests can redeem these free dozens with any purchase over 13 days starting February 15, which is expected to boost in-store sales and enhance brand loyalty.
- Valentine's Day Collection: The introduction of four new themed doughnuts, including the 'I Love You a Choco-Lot Doughnut' and 'Teddy Bear Cookies & Kreme Doughnut', diversifies product offerings to attract various consumers and strengthen market competitiveness.
- Multi-Channel Sales: These Valentine's doughnuts are available for pickup or delivery via Krispy Kreme's app and website, further expanding the brand's digital business and retail partnerships.
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- Promotional Offer: From Friday to Sunday, customers can purchase any dozen and get an Original Glazed® dozen for just $2, with a purchase limit of two in-store and drive-thru, and one online using promo code SCORE.
- Product Features: The Football Doughnut is an unglazed shell filled with smooth Kreme™, dipped in chocolate icing, and finished with white icing football laces, while the Goal Post Doughnut is an Original Glazed® doughnut topped with green icing and festive nonpareil sprinkles, enhancing the festive spirit.
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- Marketing Campaign: Customers can purchase the doughnuts via the Krispy Kreme app and website, while the brand encourages social media sharing of doughnut photos to increase visibility and enhance customer engagement, thereby boosting loyalty.
- Special Giveaway: On February 14, Krispy Kreme will surprise 12 fans with two dozen free doughnuts, aiming to enhance customer participation and brand affinity, which could drive sales further.
- Global Expansion: Operating in over 40 countries, Krispy Kreme showcases strong market competitiveness with its iconic Original Glazed doughnut and rapidly growing digital business, committed to enhancing consumer lives through delightful products.
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- Record Inflows: JPMorgan reports that retail inflows surged nearly 60% in 2025 compared to the previous year, exceeding the previous peak set in 2021 by 17%, indicating sustained activity and influence of retail investors in the market.
- Changing Market Dynamics: The collective actions of retail investors have prompted hedge funds to adjust strategies by reducing short positions and investing in tools that track retail sentiment, reflecting a widespread recognition of retail's market impact.
- Wealth Transfer Trend: An estimated $120 trillion will be inherited by millennials and Gen Z over the next 20 years, suggesting that retail participation could expand significantly, driving profound changes in market structure.
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- Brand Story Promotion: Krispy Kreme's Chief Brand and Product Officer, Alison Holder, highlighted the unique circumstances surrounding Dallas's birth, using this opportunity to enhance brand storytelling and improve brand image.
- Global Business Expansion: Krispy Kreme operates in over 40 countries, leveraging a unique network of stores and rapidly growing digital business to further solidify its leadership position in the sweet treat market.
See More
Krispy Kreme Announces Q4 and Full Year 2025 Earnings Release Date
- Earnings Release Schedule: Krispy Kreme will issue its fourth quarter and full year 2025 earnings results on February 26, 2026, providing related slides to enhance investor understanding of the company's performance.
- Live Conference Call: Management will host a conference call and webcast at 8:30 AM Eastern Time on the same day to discuss the earnings results in depth, aiming to improve transparency and communication with investors.
- Registration and Access: Investors can register for the call via the company website, receiving a confirmation email with dial-in details and unique conference codes to ensure smooth participation.
- Replay and Material Access: After the call, the webcast replay and earnings press release will be available on the company website for 12 months, further enhancing the accessibility of information for investors.
See More
Krispy Kreme Offers 13,000 Free Doughnuts for Valentine's Weekend
- Valentine's Giveaway: On February 13, Krispy Kreme will give away 13,000 dozens of Original Glazed doughnuts, aiming to enhance customer experience during the holiday and attract more foot traffic to stores.
- Coupon Redemption: Guests can redeem these free dozens with any purchase over 13 days starting February 15, which is expected to boost in-store sales and enhance brand loyalty.
- Valentine's Day Collection: The introduction of four new themed doughnuts, including the 'I Love You a Choco-Lot Doughnut' and 'Teddy Bear Cookies & Kreme Doughnut', diversifies product offerings to attract various consumers and strengthen market competitiveness.
- Multi-Channel Sales: These Valentine's doughnuts are available for pickup or delivery via Krispy Kreme's app and website, further expanding the brand's digital business and retail partnerships.
See More
Krispy Kreme Launches Big Game Dozen for Fans
- Big Game Dozen: Krispy Kreme's new Big Game Dozen includes six Football Doughnuts, two Goal Post Doughnuts, and four iconic Original Glazed® Doughnuts, designed to delight football fans during game day gatherings.
- Promotional Offer: From Friday to Sunday, customers can purchase any dozen and get an Original Glazed® dozen for just $2, with a purchase limit of two in-store and drive-thru, and one online using promo code SCORE.
- Product Features: The Football Doughnut is an unglazed shell filled with smooth Kreme™, dipped in chocolate icing, and finished with white icing football laces, while the Goal Post Doughnut is an Original Glazed® doughnut topped with green icing and festive nonpareil sprinkles, enhancing the festive spirit.
- Purchase Channels: The Big Game Dozen is available for pre-order through Krispy Kreme's app and website, and can also be purchased in-store, catering to various consumer preferences.
See More
Krispy Kreme Launches Valentine's Day Doughnut Collection
- Valentine's Day Launch: Krispy Kreme introduces four new heart-shaped doughnuts on February 3, including flavors like chocolate, Cookies & Kreme, strawberry, and classic glazed, aimed at fostering emotional connections through sharing love.
- Marketing Campaign: Customers can purchase the doughnuts via the Krispy Kreme app and website, while the brand encourages social media sharing of doughnut photos to increase visibility and enhance customer engagement, thereby boosting loyalty.
- Special Giveaway: On February 14, Krispy Kreme will surprise 12 fans with two dozen free doughnuts, aiming to enhance customer participation and brand affinity, which could drive sales further.
- Global Expansion: Operating in over 40 countries, Krispy Kreme showcases strong market competitiveness with its iconic Original Glazed doughnut and rapidly growing digital business, committed to enhancing consumer lives through delightful products.
See More
Retail Investor Influence Proves Resilient and Expanding
- Increased Retail Participation: According to BlackRock, individual investor participation in U.S. equities has risen to nearly 20% of daily trading volume, a significant increase from low single digits pre-pandemic, highlighting the growing importance of retail investors in the market.
- Record Inflows: JPMorgan reports that retail inflows surged nearly 60% in 2025 compared to the previous year, exceeding the previous peak set in 2021 by 17%, indicating sustained activity and influence of retail investors in the market.
- Changing Market Dynamics: The collective actions of retail investors have prompted hedge funds to adjust strategies by reducing short positions and investing in tools that track retail sentiment, reflecting a widespread recognition of retail's market impact.
- Wealth Transfer Trend: An estimated $120 trillion will be inherited by millennials and Gen Z over the next 20 years, suggesting that retail participation could expand significantly, driving profound changes in market structure.
See More
Krispy Kreme Celebrates 'Sweetest Delivery' First Birthday with Free Delivery on Doughnuts
- Free Delivery Celebration: Krispy Kreme is offering free delivery on all orders made through its website and app on Wednesday and Thursday to celebrate Baby Dallas's first birthday, aiming to attract more customers to participate in this special event.
- New Winter Collection Launch: The celebration coincides with the introduction of a new Winter Seasonal Collection featuring various new flavors, designed to enhance consumer purchasing experiences and increase market share through a diverse product lineup.
- Brand Story Promotion: Krispy Kreme's Chief Brand and Product Officer, Alison Holder, highlighted the unique circumstances surrounding Dallas's birth, using this opportunity to enhance brand storytelling and improve brand image.
- Global Business Expansion: Krispy Kreme operates in over 40 countries, leveraging a unique network of stores and rapidly growing digital business to further solidify its leadership position in the sweet treat market.
See More
