Welbilt, Inc. (WBT)
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat ANAK, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.
Welbilt, Inc. (WBT) trades at $24.01 with AI Score 54/100 (Grade B). Welbilt, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of foodservice equipment, providing innovative solutions for the commercial foodservice market globally. Sector: Industrials.
Price live · AI analysis from May 10, 2026Analyst Coverage for WBT: WBT does not currently have published analyst price targets in our coverage universe. This is common for smaller-cap names with limited Wall Street coverage. In the absence of analyst consensus, our AI model evaluates WBT against Industrials peers across nine fundamental dimensions and assigns a mixed fundamental profile based on the underlying data.
WBT: the 7 perspectives are evenly split. Dominant signal: Seth Klarman bearish.
How is this calculated? →Welbilt, Inc. (WBT) Industrial Operations Profile
Welbilt, Inc. stands as a prominent player in the global foodservice equipment market, known for its extensive range of high-quality products and innovative solutions tailored for commercial kitchens, enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
What Is the Investment Thesis for WBT?
Welbilt, Inc. presents a robust investment thesis driven by its strong market presence in the foodservice equipment sector, characterized by a P/E ratio of 48.9 and a profit margin of 4.5%. The company is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for energy-efficient and technologically advanced kitchen solutions, projected to expand as the global foodservice market continues to recover post-pandemic. Key growth catalysts include the increasing trend towards automation in commercial kitchens and the rising focus on sustainability, which aligns with Welbilt's innovative product offerings. Additionally, the company's strategic partnerships with major foodservice operators enhance its market reach and customer base. However, investors should be mindful of potential risks, including supply chain disruptions and fluctuating raw material costs, which could impact profit margins. Overall, Welbilt's strong brand portfolio and commitment to innovation serve as significant value drivers in its growth trajectory.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
WBT Key Highlights
- P/E ratio of 48.9 reflects strong investor interest despite market volatility.
- Profit margin of 4.5% indicates effective cost management and operational efficiency.
- Gross margin of 36.2% exceeds industry average, showcasing competitive pricing power.
- Employs approximately 4,800 individuals, supporting a robust operational framework.
- No dividend yield, indicating a focus on reinvestment for growth and innovation.
Who Are WBT's Competitors?
WBT is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JBTM JBT Marel Corporation | $148.73 | +1.99% | $7.74B | 58 |
| CSW CSW Industrials, Inc. | $279.42 | +1.20% | $4.56B | 62 |
| AIMC Altra Industrial Motion Corp. | $61.98 | +0.00% | $4.05B | 46 |
| GMS GMS Inc. | $109.96 | +0.00% | $4.20B | 46 |
| ARNC Arconic Corporation | $29.99 | +0.03% | $3.01B | 42 |
| BLDP Ballard Power Systems Inc. | $3.46 | -1.85% | $1.04B | 64 |
| JBT John Bean Technologies Corporation (JBT) provides technology solutions to the food and beverage and air transportation industries. The company | $125.32 | -1.40% | $3.99B | 62 |
| MWA Mueller Water Products, Inc. | $25.25 | +1.12% | $3.95B | 59 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are WBT's Key Strengths?
- Strong portfolio of well-recognized brands in the foodservice equipment market.
- Diverse product offerings catering to various segments of the foodservice industry.
- Established global presence with a wide distribution network.
- Commitment to innovation and sustainability enhancing competitive advantage.
What Are WBT's Weaknesses?
- High dependence on the commercial foodservice sector, which can be cyclical.
- No dividend yield may deter income-focused investors.
- Potential vulnerability to supply chain disruptions affecting production.
- Limited market presence in emerging economies compared to competitors.
What Could Drive WBT Stock Higher?
- Launch of new energy-efficient product lines aimed at reducing operational costs for customers.
- Expansion of distribution channels in emerging markets to capture new customer segments.
- Development of cloud-based solutions to enhance kitchen management and operational efficiency.
What Are the Key Risks for WBT?
- Rich valuation — a P/E of 48.9 runs well above the Industrials sector’s ~30x, leaving little room for a miss.
- Insider selling — insiders were net sellers of roughly $8.2M recently.
- Fluctuating raw material costs could impact profit margins and pricing strategies.
- Supply chain disruptions may affect production timelines and product availability.
- Economic downturns could lead to reduced capital expenditures in the foodservice sector.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for WBT?
- Growth opportunity 1: The global foodservice equipment market is expected to reach $60 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 5.5%. Welbilt's focus on energy-efficient and innovative products positions it to capture significant market share as operators increasingly prioritize sustainability and operational efficiency in their purchasing decisions.
- Growth opportunity 2: The rise of cloud-based kitchen management solutions, such as Welbilt's KitchenConnect, is transforming operational efficiency in commercial kitchens. The market for kitchen management software is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10% over the next five years, presenting Welbilt with opportunities to enhance its service offerings and customer engagement.
- Growth opportunity 3: The increasing trend towards automation in foodservice operations is driving demand for advanced cooking and food preparation equipment. Welbilt's diverse product portfolio, including rapid-cooking ovens and automated cooking systems, positions the company to benefit from this trend as more establishments seek to streamline operations and reduce labor costs.
- Growth opportunity 4: Expansion into emerging markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, presents significant growth potential for Welbilt. As urbanization and disposable incomes rise in these regions, the demand for commercial foodservice equipment is expected to increase, allowing Welbilt to establish a strong foothold in these lucrative markets.
- Growth opportunity 5: Partnerships with major foodservice operators and distributors can enhance Welbilt's market penetration and brand visibility. By leveraging these relationships, Welbilt can expand its reach and drive sales growth through collaborative marketing and product innovation initiatives.
What Opportunities Does WBT Have?
- Growing demand for energy-efficient and automated foodservice solutions.
- Expansion potential in emerging markets with rising disposable incomes.
- Increasing adoption of cloud-based kitchen management technologies.
- Strategic partnerships with major foodservice operators to enhance market reach.
What Threats Does WBT Face?
- Intense competition from established and emerging players in the industry.
- Fluctuating raw material prices impacting profit margins.
- Economic downturns affecting the foodservice industry and capital expenditures.
- Regulatory changes related to food safety and environmental standards.
What Are WBT's Competitive Advantages?
- Strong brand recognition with established names in the foodservice equipment industry.
- Comprehensive product portfolio catering to diverse customer needs and preferences.
- Commitment to innovation and sustainability, enhancing competitive differentiation.
- Robust customer relationships built through quality service and support.
- Global distribution network facilitating market penetration and customer access.
What Does WBT Do?
Welbilt, Inc., founded in 1864, is a prominent designer, manufacturer, and supplier of foodservice equipment, serving the commercial foodservice market worldwide. Originally established as Manitowoc Foodservice, the company rebranded to Welbilt, Inc. in February 2017, reflecting its commitment to innovation and customer service. Headquartered in New Port Richey, Florida, Welbilt operates with a workforce of approximately 4,800 employees, dedicated to delivering high-quality products and services. The company’s diverse portfolio includes commercial upright and undercounter refrigerators, blast freezers, cook-chill systems, and a variety of cooking equipment such as traditional ovens, fryers, and steam equipment. Welbilt's products are marketed under several well-known brands, including Delfield, Kolpak, Convotherm, Garland, Lincoln, Merrychef, Frymaster, Cleveland, Manitowoc, and others. These products cater to a wide array of customers, including full-service restaurants, quick-service restaurant chains, hotels, cruise ships, supermarkets, hospitals, and schools. In addition to equipment, Welbilt offers aftermarket parts, installation, maintenance services, and innovative solutions like KitchenConnect, a cloud-based application that enhances kitchen management. The company’s strong market position is bolstered by its comprehensive product offerings and commitment to customer satisfaction, making it a trusted partner in the foodservice industry.
What Products and Services Does WBT Offer?
- Design and manufacture foodservice equipment for commercial kitchens.
- Offer a wide range of refrigeration and cooking solutions under multiple brand names.
- Provide aftermarket parts and maintenance services to ensure operational efficiency.
- Develop cloud-based applications for enhanced kitchen management.
- Serve a diverse customer base including restaurants, hotels, and institutions.
- Focus on innovation and sustainability in product development.
How Does WBT Make Money?
- Generate revenue through the sale of foodservice equipment and appliances.
- Provide aftermarket services, including installation and maintenance, to existing customers.
- Leverage cloud-based solutions to enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency.
- Develop strategic partnerships with key players in the foodservice industry to expand market reach.
- Focus on continuous innovation to meet evolving customer needs and market trends.
What Industry Does WBT Operate In?
The industrial machinery sector, particularly within foodservice equipment, is witnessing significant growth driven by increasing consumer demand for dining experiences and the expansion of foodservice establishments globally. The market is projected to grow as operators seek advanced, energy-efficient solutions to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. Welbilt, Inc. operates in a competitive landscape featuring peers such as JBT Marel Corporation (JBTM), CSW Industrials, Inc. (CSW), Altra Industrial Motion Corp. (AIMC), GMS Inc. (GMS), and Arconic Corporation (ARNC), each vying for market share in a rapidly evolving industry. The focus on sustainability and technological innovation is reshaping the competitive dynamics, positioning Welbilt favorably due to its extensive product offerings and commitment to quality.
Who Are WBT's Key Customers?
- Full-service restaurants and quick-service restaurant chains.
- Hotels, resorts, and cruise ships seeking high-quality foodservice solutions.
- Caterers and supermarkets requiring efficient food preparation and storage equipment.
- Hospitals and schools needing reliable foodservice equipment for institutional use.
- Distributors and dealers facilitating product sales across various segments.
How Welbilt, Inc. Is Valued
Relative to its peer group, WBT's quantitative score of 54/100 is roughly in line with the peer average of 51/100.
Company Profile
Welbilt, Inc. operates in the Industrial - Machinery industry within the Industrials sector. It is headquartered in New Port Richey, US. The company is led by CEO William Johnson. WBT has traded publicly since 2016.
ROE 22%Key Financial Metrics
Return on equity for Welbilt, Inc. stands at 22.3%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is 3.1%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. WBT trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 48.89, above the Industrials sector average of ~30x. A current ratio of 1.90 indicates the company holds enough short-term assets to cover its near-term obligations. Its earnings yield is 2.0%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.
Net sellingInsider Activity
The most recent 12 insider filings for Welbilt, Inc. break down as 12 sales and 0 purchases. On net that is roughly 345K shares disposed (about $8.2M), a signal worth weighing alongside the fundamentals.
WBT Financials
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Welbilt's recent insider buying suggests those in the know see value, a strong signal to the market.
- The community's overall positive sentiment indicates strong belief in Welbilt's long-term strategy and execution.
- Welbilt appears to be successfully navigating supply chain challenges, boosting investor confidence. Think of how companies that solved supply chain issues early in the pandemic, like some auto manufacturers, were rewarded.
- Positive buzz around Welbilt's new product lines hints at future revenue growth and market share gains.
Bear Case
- Despite positive sentiment, some community members express concern over increased competition in the commercial food equipment sector.
- Recent market volatility is causing some investors to reduce exposure to cyclical stocks like Welbilt. Remember the risk-off sentiment during the initial COVID outbreak?
- Whispers of potential margin compression due to rising raw material costs are circulating, impacting profitability expectations.
- Some analysts question whether Welbilt's growth rate can justify its current valuation, creating uncertainty among investors.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · April 2026
WBT Latest News
No recent news available for WBT.
WBT Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for WBT.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for WBT.
WBT MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates WBT's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
Leadership: William Johnson
CEO
William Johnson has a robust background in the industrial sector, having held various leadership positions in manufacturing and operations. He holds a degree in Industrial Engineering and has extensive experience in driving operational efficiency and strategic growth within organizations. Before joining Welbilt, Johnson successfully led initiatives that enhanced productivity and profitability in previous roles.
Track Record: Under William Johnson's leadership, Welbilt has focused on innovation and sustainability, launching several new product lines that align with market trends. His strategic decisions have helped the company navigate challenges in the foodservice equipment sector, positioning it for long-term growth.
Welbilt, Inc. Industrials Stock: Key Questions Answered
What does Welbilt, Inc. do?
Welbilt, Inc. designs, manufactures, and supplies a comprehensive range of foodservice equipment for commercial kitchens. Their product portfolio includes refrigeration units, cooking equipment, and after-market services, catering to a diverse customer base including restaurants, hotels, and institutions. The company focuses on innovation and sustainability, providing solutions that enhance operational efficiency.
What do analysts say about WBT stock?
Analysts generally view Welbilt, Inc. as a strong player in the foodservice equipment market, noting its solid revenue growth and innovative product offerings. Key valuation metrics include a P/E ratio of 48.9 and a profit margin of 4.5%. Analysts highlight the company's potential for growth driven by increasing demand for energy-efficient solutions and cloud-based kitchen management technologies.
What are the main risks for WBT?
Welbilt, Inc. faces several risks including fluctuating raw material prices that could impact profit margins, and ongoing supply chain disruptions affecting production and delivery timelines. Additionally, economic downturns may lead to reduced capital expenditures in the foodservice industry, which could adversely affect sales. The competitive landscape also poses a threat, as the company must continuously innovate to maintain its market position.
What are the key factors to evaluate for WBT?
Welbilt, Inc. (WBT) holds an AI score of 54/100 (moderate). P/E: 48.9x vs the S&P 500's ~20-25x. Not financial advice.
How frequently does WBT data refresh on this page?
WBT prices update in real time during U.S. market hours. Fundamentals refresh after quarterly filings; analyst ratings and AI insights update daily; news is aggregated continuously.
What has driven WBT's recent stock price performance?
Welbilt, Inc. (WBT) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Strong portfolio of well-recognized brands in the foodservice equipment market. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider WBT overvalued or undervalued right now?
Welbilt, Inc. (WBT) trades at 48.9x earnings. Compare P/E, P/S, and EV/EBITDA against sector peers for a full view.
What research should beginners do before buying WBT?
Before investing in Welbilt, Inc. (WBT), research these four areas: (1) the company's revenue model and competitive position (see Company Overview), (2) financial health through revenue growth, margins, and cash flow (see MoonshotScore), (3) what Wall Street analysts recommend and their price targets (see Analyst tab), and (4) specific risk factors that could impact the stock (see Risk Factors section).
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Official Resources
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- Data is based on the latest available information as of May 2026.