Logo of jester cap with thought bubble.

Image source: The Motley Fool.

DATE

Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET

CALL PARTICIPANTS

  • Investor Relations - Anna Kate Heller
  • Member of the Interim Office of the Chief Executive and Chief Operations Officer - Jonathan Volkmann
  • Member of the Interim Office of the Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer - Felicia DellaFortuna

TAKEAWAYS

  • Revenue -- $162.3 million, representing a 14.2% decline reflecting a drop in behavioral subscribers concentrated in the core tier.
  • Clinical End of Period Subscribers -- 197,000, up 55.7% from 127,000 in the prior year period.
  • Core+ End of Period Subscribers -- 541,000, up 13.9% year over year and marking the third consecutive quarter of sequential growth.
  • Total End of Period Subscribers -- 2.5 million, down from 3.2 million in the prior year period.
  • Adjusted EBITDA -- $39.8 million, or a 24.5% margin, compared with a loss of $1.8 million in the first quarter of 2026.
  • Monthly Subscription ARPU -- $20.90, up 10.2% year over year driven by the mix shift toward clinical and Core+ tiers.
  • Clinical Subscription Revenue -- $39.9 million, up 30.4% year over year despite lapping significant contributions from a former compounded semaglutide offering.
  • Behavioral Subscription Revenue -- $121.5 million, down 22.7% compared to $157.3 million in the prior year period.
  • Adjusted Gross Margin -- 73.6%, remaining near record highs due to workflow automation and operational efficiency.
  • Marketing Expense -- $47.9 million, or 29.5% of revenue, reflecting a decrease from $92.9 million in the first quarter of 2026.
  • Operating Cash Flow -- $24.3 million generated in the quarter, supporting the company's liquidity position.
  • Term Loan Principal -- $423.6 million, a reduction of more than 70% from the $1.6 billion carried prior to financial reorganization.
  • Voluntary Debt Prepayment -- $36.8 million, including $10 million from a voluntary solicitation fully subscribed at 68.5% of par.
  • Interest Expense Reduction -- $4 million in annual savings, resulting from the second quarter debt paydown.
  • 2026 Revenue Guidance -- $620 million to $635 million, reaffirmed by management.
  • 2026 Adjusted EBITDA Guidance -- $105 million to $115 million, reaffirmed for the full year.
  • Clinical Revenue Mix Guidance -- 25% to 30% of total 2026 revenue, an increase from 15.9% in the full year 2025.
  • Full Year Interest Costs -- $45 million to $50 million, reflecting lower quarterly interest following the second quarter prepayment.
  • Full Year Cash Taxes -- $5 million to $10 million, projected for the fiscal year.
  • Clinical Weight Loss Efficacy -- 30% more body weight loss on average at 12 months for members prescribed GLP-1 medications compared to select industry competitors.
  • Behavioral Support Impact -- 29% more weight loss for Med+ members who engage with the GLP-1 success program versus those using medication alone.
  • Nutritional Shift -- 29% reduction in calories from ultra-processed foods reported by members following the behavioral program.

Need a quote from a Motley Fool analyst? Email [email protected]

RISKS

  • DellaFortuna warned that "This growth incorporates moderate declines in clinical subscribers in the remaining quarters," primarily due to lower marketing spend levels and the lapping of long-term commitment plans.

SUMMARY

WW International, Inc. (WW -3.73%) reported a strategic shift toward its clinical and high-value behavioral subscription tiers as it continues a multiyear business transformation. Management stated that growth in the Clinical and Core+ segments helped offset declines in the legacy core behavioral business, leading to an expansion in average revenue per subscriber. The company reported the generation of positive operating cash flow, which facilitated a further reduction in its long-term debt through voluntary prepayments and annual cash sweeps. Management reaffirmed its full year financial outlook, citing increased operational efficiency and a disciplined marketing spend allocation following the peak first quarter season.

  • COO Volkmann announced a new strategic collaboration with Sam's Club to bring the WeightWatchers brand to its membership base.
  • Management confirmed that WeightWatchers Med+ now supports eligible members through the new Medicare GLP-1 bridge program, which provides $50 per month in branded medication coverage through late 2027.
  • COO Volkmann stated that patients can now access WeightWatchers Med+ through Libby, creating "another meaningful channel for prospective members to discover our offering."
  • CFO DellaFortuna highlighted that Adjusted SG&A benefited from the company's exit from its corporate headquarters lease.
  • COO Volkmann observed that "Losing weight is deeply personal, and it rarely follows a straight line," emphasizing the need for human accountability alongside medical intervention.
  • Management indicated that Q3 will be the lowest quarter for marketing spend, with a planned ramp up in Q4 ahead of the 2027 peak season.

INDUSTRY GLOSSARY

  • ARPU: Monthly Subscription Revenue Per Average Subscriber, a metric used to monitor revenue trends on a per subscriber basis.
  • Core/Core+/Med+: The three tiers of the WeightWatchers subscription model, ranging from basic behavioral tools to clinical GLP-1 support.
  • Fresh Start Accounting: An accounting method applied after a company emerges from a financial reorganization, resulting in a new basis of financial reporting.
  • GLP-1: Glucagon-like peptide-1, a class of medications used for weight management and obesity care.
  • Libby: A digital platform or partner through which members can access clinical services.
  • Annual Cash Sweep: A debt agreement provision requiring a company to use excess cash to pay down outstanding loan principal.

Full Conference Call Transcript

Operator: WeightWatchers Second Quarter 26 Earnings Conference Call. All participants will be in listen only mode. Should you need assistance, please signal a conference specialist by pressing the star key followed by 0. After today's presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. Please note this event is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference over to Anna Kate Heller from Investor Relations. Please go ahead. Thank you for joining us today for the WeightWatchers second quarter 2026 earnings conference call. Also released a shareholder letter and press release on our second quarter 2026 results which are available on the company's corporate website located at corporate.ww.com.

The purpose of this call is to provide investors with some further details regarding the company's results, as well as to provide a general update on the company's progress. Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures disclosed on this conference call to those directly comparable GAAP financial measures are also available as part of the shareholder letter and press release. Before we begin, let me remind everyone that this call will contain forward-looking statements. Investors should be aware that any forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed here today.

These risk factors are explained in detail in the company's latest annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, earnings release, the shareholder letter, and as updated by the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Please refer to these filings for a more detailed discussion of forward-looking statements and the risks and uncertainties of such statements. All forward-looking statements are made as of today, and except as required by law, the company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Joining today's call are Felicia DellaFortuna, chief financial officer and Jonathan Volkmann, chief operations officer.

Both are members of the interim office of the chief executive.

Jonathan Volkmann: Thanks, Anna Kate. Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you all for joining us. Before we get started, I encourage everyone to look at our shareholder letter which we posted on our corporate website. While the market today is increasingly filled with companies offering prescription without expert guidance and support, WeightWatchers provides the best of both worlds. Not only do our members have access to the most effective FDA approved GLP-1 medications, they also benefit from the backing of an extraordinary team of experts who can guide them at every step along the way. That includes clinicians trained to support people with obesity, who are actively helping members understand and navigate the benefits and challenges of GLP-1 therapy.

It includes registered dietitians, who help members build tailored nutrition plans that balance caloric goals with protein, fiber, and healthy muscle preservation. And it includes expert coaches who lead workshops and experiences where members learn from 1 another on topics like dining out while on a GLP-1, and exchange practical advice, like the best healthy midnight snacks. And perhaps most important of all, they remind each other they are not in this alone. Underscoring all of this human guidance is a reimagined digital experience that combines decades of science led expertise with new technology to give members a clearer, more personalized view of their weight health and help them be more successful in reaching and sustaining their goals.

With more than 1 in 10 Americans currently taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss, These therapies have fundamentally redefined our industry and transformed what is possible in obesity care. And we are continuing to evolve our offering help expand medication access and remove friction for those eligible for clinical weight loss. Patients can now access WeightWatchers Med+ seamlessly through Libby creating another meaningful channel for prospective members to discover our offering. In addition, WeightWatchers Med+ now supports eligible members through the new Medicare GLP-1 bridge program. Unlocking $50 per month branded GLP-1 medication coverage through late 2027. And we recently launched a new strategic collaboration with Sam's Club. Bringing WeightWatchers, 1 of America's most trusted brands.

These initiatives build on our broader commitment to help members find the best medication for them whether they are using insurance or paying out of pocket. But while medication is a powerful tool, for many, it is not the whole answer. Even with these medications, people still need to eat nutritious foods. They still need to move their bodies. And they still benefit from community, accountability, and education to support progress and sustain results. We believe WeightWatchers' people first technology powered offering is more relevant than ever as we support those navigating their journey with medication. WeightWatchers Med+ members prescribe GLP-1 medications reported over 30% more body weight loss on average at 12 months than select industry competitors.

In addition, WeightWatchers Med+ members who are prescribed GLP-1 medication and also regularly engage with our GLP-1 success program shows 29% more body weight at 12 months on average than those who use medication without engaging with our structured behavioral support program. And studies indicate that WeightWatchers members reduce their calories from ultra processed foods by 29%. A tangible marker of the real behavioral shifts from our approach. These powerful results reinforce our position as the most trusted brand in weight loss. This foundation has enabled us to create an integrated ecosystem that supports members at every stage of their journey on or off medication.

For members looking for our proven behavioral program, we offer Core, our base behavioral offering anchored by WeightWatchers signature points program. For members who want more guidance, we offer Core+, our higher value behavioral offering, that adds unlimited workshops coaching, and our GLP-1 success program. Which is available to members prescribed GLP ones through an outside provider. And for members who qualify for clinical care, we offer Med+, our clinical offering that combines the above tools including our GLP-1 success program, with access to clinicians and GLP-1 prescriptions for qualified members. The important point is this. People's needs change over time. And we have built a platform that enables our members to move seamlessly between levels of support.

Choosing the program that best fits their lives at any given time. WeightWatchers' unique combination of clinical care, behavioral support, and user friendly technology, all guided by actual people who are experts in the field, becoming an even stronger competitive advantage in this rapidly growing market. We are seeing compelling evidence that this approach is building momentum within our business. And as we look ahead, our opportunity has never been clearer. Losing weight is deeply personal, and it rarely follows a straight line. People need expertise, They need accountability. They need encouragement. And that is why we are confident in our ability to create lasting value for both our members and our shareholders.

We will continue to invest thoughtfully to make sure that every person who comes to WeightWatchers gets something that is becoming harder and harder to find elsewhere. Real people real expertise, real support,, and a partner for the entire journey. With that, I will turn it over to Felicia to cover the financials.

Felicia DellaFortuna: Thanks, Jon. Our financial performance in the second quarter demonstrated ongoing progress against our multiyear transformation. Our financial footing continues to improve, as 2 of our 3 subscription tiers showed either stable or growing subscriber basis. The company also generated positive meaningful operating cash flow and delivered on last quarter's commitment to reduce our debt load. These results demonstrate the earnings power of our more disciplined operating model and give us confidence in our ability to deliver against our full year guidance. As we build for the future of Weight Watchers, we are reaffirming our full year guidance for both revenue and adjusted EBITDA. Now let's take a closer look at the numbers starting with subscribers.

Total end of period subscribers were 2.5 million. Core+, our higher value behavioral tier, ended the quarter at 541 thousand subscribers. An increase of 13.9% year over year. That is our third consecutive quarter of sequential growth in the tier, a trend we have only seen occur 1 other time in the past 15 years, which offers encouraging signs that our approach is resonating with consumers. We closed Q2 with 2.3 million end of period behavioral subscribers, which reflects a 24.6% decline year over year with the decline concentrated in our core tier. However, we continue to see progress towards the higher value mix shift we have been targeting.

End of period clinical subscribers were 197 thousand up 55.7% year over year compared to a 127 thousand in the second quarter of 2025. This number held steady from Q1 following a significant reduction in marketing spend coming out of peak when this spend was more heavily focused on our clinical offering. In Q2, we deliberately recalibrated our investment allocation across our portfolio. ARPU increased 10.2% year over year reflecting a mix shift in our subscriber base to clinical and Core+ membership tiers. Revenue in Q2 was $162.3 million compared to $189.2 million in the second quarter of 2025. Foreign exchange was about a $1 million benefit in the quarter compared with the $4 million benefit in Q1.

Clinical subscription revenue grew 30.4% to $39.9 million compared to $30.6 million in the second quarter of 2025 despite Q2 2025 reflecting significant contributions from our former compounded semaglutide offering. Clinical accounted for 24.6% of total revenue for Q2 2026, an increase from 15.9% for full year 2025 revenue. Behavioral subscription revenue was $121.5 million, down 22.7% compared to $157.3 million a year ago, with the decline concentrated in our core tier. Q2 gross margin was 70.3% and adjusted margin was 73.6%, both of which are on par with Q1 and remain near record highs. We are particularly encouraged to hold adjusted gross margins steady despite a shift in revenue mix toward clinical, which requires higher staffing costs.

This success is the result of structural work in both businesses including workflow automation and operational efficiency. Marketing expense in Q2 2026 was $47.9 million or 29.5% of revenue, which is higher than Q2 2025 as the year ago quarter reflected an intentional pullback in marketing spend during our Chapter 11 financial reorganization. Q2 2026 also reflects a significant decrease from the $92.9 million in Q1 2026 during peak season. In addition to reducing our total investment, we also deliberately recalibrated our spend across our portfolio following elevated clinical investment in Q1 to coincide with the Wegovy Pill launch. Adjusted SG&A was $25.7 million or 15.8% of revenue, consistent with the prior year period in absolute dollars.

Adjusted SG&A includes the benefit of our exit from the corporate headquarters lease. On a GAAP basis, SG&A was 31% of revenue, primarily driven by higher depreciation and amortization related to fresh start accounting. Product development expense was $6.4 million or 4% of revenue as we continue to execute on our technology road map with a more focused investment profile. Net income for the quarter was $14.1 million That includes a $4.6 million gain on the extinguishment of debt related to the voluntary prepayment of a portion of our term loan at 68.5% of par. And it absorbs $25.9 million of depreciation and amortization the majority of which relates to fresh start accounting.

Adjusted EBITDA was $39.8 million, a 24.5% margin compared with a loss of $1.8 million in Q1 26 as marketing spend normalized following peak season. The decline from $65.3 million adjusted EBITDA in the second quarter of 25 reflects lower revenue and higher marketing investment as a percentage of revenue. Now turning to cash and the balance sheet. We ended the quarter with $101.5 million in cash and cash equivalents compared with $120.9 million at the end of Q1 2026. Operations generated approximately $24.3 million of cash in the quarter, reflecting the cash generative nature of our business and our continued commitment to maintaining a solid liquidity position as we execute our long term strategic priorities.

We deployed $36.8 million to pay down the term loan and $6.1 million to capitalize software and development. On the debt pay down itself, the $36.8 million was made up of $26.8 million from our annual cash sweep and $10 million from the previously announced voluntary solicitation which was fully subscribed at 68.5% of par. That reduced principal by $41.4 million generated the $4.6 million gain I mentioned, and lowers our annual interest expense by approximately $4 million. Our term loan now stands at $423.6 million, a reduction of more than 70% from the $1.6 billion we carried before our financial reorganization.

Even as we continue to proactively pay down this loan, we retain the liquidity to invest in the strategic priorities that will define the company's future. Now to our outlook. We are reaffirming our previously provided 2026 guidance for revenue. Of $620 million to $635 million and adjusted EBITDA of $105 million to $115 million We continue to expect clinical subscription revenue to represent 25% to 30% of 2026 total revenue, up from 15.9% for the full year 2025. This growth incorporates moderate declines in clinical subscribers in the remaining quarters. Primarily due to lower marketing spend levels, a more balanced allocation of marketing resources across our lines of business, following the more concentrated clinical focus in Q1 2026.

And the lapping of our 12-month long term commitment plan introductions. Q3 is our lowest quarter in terms of marketing spend, and spending will ramp up in Q4 ahead of peak season consistent with our typical seasonal cadence. Within behavioral, we expect continued year over year growth in Core+ subscribers and continued moderation in the year over year rate of behavioral end of period subscriber decline. On gross margin, we continue to expect a modest adjusted gross margin decline in 2026 versus 2025, and we expect to remain above 72%. On operating expenses, we expect 2026 marketing expense as a percentage of revenue to increase modestly compared to 2025, with second half spend below first half levels.

We expect product development to remain near the Q2 quarterly run rate. On cash, with peak marketing investment behind us, we are very confident that we will generate cash and expect positive operating cash flow for the full year 2026. We expect approximately $45 million to $50 million of interest costs for the full year. Reflecting lower quarterly interest following the Q2 prepayment, quarterly capitalized software and development in line with Q2 run rate, and 2026 cash taxes of between $5 million and $10 million Our second quarter results demonstrate the earnings power of our more disciplined operating model.

We are seeing clear signs of progress towards the higher value mix shift we have been targeting, with Core+ delivering third consecutive quarter of sequential subscriber growth and clinical continuing to grow as a share of total revenue. As Core+ and clinical become a larger share of our business, we see a company built on a stronger financial foundation, with a meaningfully smaller debt load and positive operating cash flow supporting strategic investment in our transformation, We head into the second half with confidence in the multiyear plan we have laid out and then the team executing upon it. I will now turn it over to the operator to open it up for Q&A.

Operator: If you are using a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before pressing the keys. At this time, we will pause momentarily to assemble our roster. At this time, there are no questions. I would like to hand it back over to Felicia for closing remarks.

Felicia DellaFortuna: Thank you all for joining us today. WeightWatchers exists to ensure that no 1 has to navigate their weight health journey alone. And we remain singularly focused on executing against that mission. We look forward to continuing to update you on our progress. Thank you.

Operator: The conference is now concluded. Thank you for attending today's presentation. You may now disconnect.