
Cancel anytime
- Chart
- Upturn Summary
- Highlights
- Revenue
- Valuation
Upturn AI SWOT
- About


Potbelly Co (PBPB)


- BUY Advisory
- SELL Advisory (Profit)
- SELL Advisory (Loss)
- Profit
- Loss
- Pass (Skip investing)

(see disclosures)
- ALL
- YEAR
- MONTH
- WEEK
Upturn Advisory Summary
10/17/2025: PBPB (4-star) is a STRONG-BUY. BUY since 37 days. Simulated Profits (31.01%). Updated daily EoD!
1 Year Target Price $17.12
1 Year Target Price $17.12
3 | Strong Buy |
0 | Buy |
1 | Hold |
0 | Sell |
0 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit 20.98% | Avg. Invested days 32 | Today’s Advisory Regular Buy |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance ![]() | Stock Returns Performance ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
Key Highlights
Company Size Small-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 517.66M USD | Price to earnings Ratio 48.89 | 1Y Target Price 17.12 |
Price to earnings Ratio 48.89 | 1Y Target Price 17.12 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 4 | Beta 1.52 | 52 Weeks Range 7.27 - 17.12 | Updated Date 10/19/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 7.27 - 17.12 | Updated Date 10/19/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) - | Basic EPS (TTM) 0.35 |
Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth
Revenue by Products
Product revenue - Year on Year
Earnings Date
Report Date - | When - | Estimate - | Actual - |
Profitability
Profit Margin 2.3% | Operating Margin (TTM) 3.38% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 2.79% | Return on Equity (TTM) 22.21% |
Valuation
Trailing PE 48.89 | Forward PE - | Enterprise Value 647022173 | Price to Sales(TTM) 1.1 |
Enterprise Value 647022173 | Price to Sales(TTM) 1.1 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 1.38 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 25.88 | Shares Outstanding 30254705 | Shares Floating 21028746 |
Shares Outstanding 30254705 | Shares Floating 21028746 | ||
Percent Insiders 10.82 | Percent Institutions 88.81 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Potbelly Co

Company Overview
History and Background
Potbelly Corporation was founded in 1977 in Chicago, Illinois, as an antique store that also sold sandwiches. It expanded gradually before franchising in the late 1990s. The company went public in 2013.
Core Business Areas
- Restaurant Operations: Owns and operates a chain of sandwich shops. This includes preparing and serving sandwiches, salads, soups, and other food items.
- Franchising: Franchises the Potbelly concept to other operators. Generates revenue through franchise fees and royalties.
Leadership and Structure
The leadership team typically includes a CEO, CFO, and other executive officers. The organizational structure consists of corporate management, regional managers, and individual store managers.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Market Share (%):
- Sandwiches: Potbelly's core offering, including a variety of hot and cold sandwiches. Competitors include Subway, Jimmy John's, and Jersey Mike's Subs. Market share data is difficult to pinpoint exactly but Potbelly's share within the sandwich chain category is likely in the single digits.
- Market Share (%):
- Salads: Fresh salads as a lighter option. Competitors include Sweetgreen, Panera Bread. Market share data is difficult to pinpoint exactly but Potbelly's share within the salad chain category is likely in the single digits.
- Market Share (%):
- Soups: A variety of soups. Competitors include Panera Bread, Zupas. Market share data is difficult to pinpoint exactly but Potbelly's share within the soup chain category is likely in the single digits.
- Market Share (%):
- Shakes and Smoothies: A sweet treat and a good way to add to your meal. Competitors include Dairy Queen, McDonald's, and Smoothie King. Market share data is difficult to pinpoint exactly but Potbelly's share within the shakes and smoothies chain category is likely in the single digits.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The fast-casual restaurant industry is competitive, driven by consumer demand for convenient and affordable meals. Trends include increasing focus on healthy options, digital ordering and delivery, and personalized experiences.
Positioning
Potbelly positions itself as a premium sandwich shop with a unique atmosphere. Its competitive advantages include its distinctive sandwiches and in-shop experience.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The US fast-casual restaurant market is estimated to be worth hundreds of billions of dollars. Potbelly is positioned to capture a small percentage of this TAM, with opportunities for expansion and market share growth.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Unique and differentiated product offerings
- Strong brand recognition in core markets
- Loyal customer base
- Efficient store operations
Weaknesses
- Limited national presence compared to larger competitors
- Inconsistent profitability
- High debt levels
- Vulnerable to fluctuations in food costs
Opportunities
- Expansion into new geographic markets
- Increased focus on digital ordering and delivery
- Menu innovation and new product development
- Strategic partnerships and acquisitions
Threats
- Intense competition from other fast-casual restaurants
- Rising labor costs
- Economic downturn impacting consumer spending
- Changes in consumer preferences and dietary trends
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- SUBWAY
- JIMMY JOHN'S
- PANERA BREAD
Competitive Landscape
Potbelly faces intense competition from larger and more established fast-casual chains. Its advantage lies in its unique product offerings and in-shop experience, but it needs to overcome its smaller scale and limited national presence.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Potbelly's historical growth has been moderate, with periods of expansion followed by slower growth and restructuring efforts.
Future Projections: Future growth projections would be based on analyst estimates, which can vary significantly. These estimates are not available here and would have to be gathered from financial data service providers.
Recent Initiatives: Recent initiatives may include store remodels, menu enhancements, and digital marketing campaigns.
Summary
Potbelly is a fast-casual restaurant chain with a differentiated product offering and brand recognition in core markets. However, it faces intense competition and has a smaller national presence compared to larger competitors. While its unique sandwiches and in-shop experience are strengths, inconsistent profitability and high debt levels are challenges. The company must focus on expansion, digital initiatives, and menu innovation to achieve sustainable growth and navigate competitive pressures.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Company SEC filings (10-K, 10-Q), Industry reports, News articles, Market research reports
Disclaimers:
This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Financial data and market conditions are subject to change. Market share figures are estimates and may not be precise.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About Potbelly Co
Exchange NASDAQ | Headquaters Chicago, IL, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 2013-10-04 | President, CEO & Director Mr. Robert D. Wright | ||
Sector Consumer Cyclical | Industry Restaurants | Full time employees 5000 | Website https://www.potbelly.com |
Full time employees 5000 | Website https://www.potbelly.com |
Potbelly Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, owns, operates, and franchises Potbelly sandwich shops in the United States. The company was formerly known as Potbelly Sandwich Works, Inc. and changed its name to Potbelly Corporation in 2002. Potbelly Corporation was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

Note: This website is maintained by Upturn Corporation, which is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Investing in securities has risks. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. No assurance is provided as to any particular investment return, and you may lose money using our services. You are strongly advised to consult appropriate counsel before making any investments in companies you learn about through our services. You should obtain appropriate legal, tax, investment, accounting, and other advice that takes into account your investment portfolio and overall financial situation. You are solely responsible for conducting due diligence on a potential investment. We do not affect trades for you. You will select your own broker through which to transact. Investments are not FDIC insured, they are not guaranteed, and they may lose value. Please see the Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Disclosure for more information.