Artisan Partners released its third-quarter 2025 investor letter, reporting double-digit YTD gains in global equities and record highs for major US indices. The Artisan Small Cap Fund posted returns of 8.69% for the Investor Class fund ARTSX, 8.75% for the Advisor Class fund APDSX, and 8.73% for the Institutional Class fund APHSX in the quarter.

Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ:WING) was highlighted in the Artisan Small Cap Fund’s investor letter, with a one-month return of -8.55% and shares losing 28.93% over the last 52 weeks. On November 14, 2025, Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ:WING) closed at $232.89 per share with a market capitalization of $6.482 billion.

Artisan Small Cap Fund expressed confidence in Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ:WING) despite share declines due to broader industry weaknesses. The company’s smart kitchen technology has improved operational efficiency, reduced customer service wait times by 40%, and a loyalty program launch in 2026 aims to enhance customer engagement and repeat business.

Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ:WING) was not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 47 portfolios holding the stock at the end of the second quarter. The company saw a revenue increase of 8.1% year-over-year to $175.7 million in the third quarter. While Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ:WING) shows investment potential, certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential and less downside risk.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Wingstop (WING) Fell Along with the Broader Restaurant Industry