Zacks Research Has Negative Outlook for Medifast Q1 Earnings

Medifast Inc (NYSE:MED) – Equities research analysts at Zacks Research lowered their Q1 2026 EPS estimates for Medifast in a report issued on Tuesday, March 10th. Zacks Research analyst Team now forecasts that the specialty retailer will post earnings of ($0.55) per share for the quarter, down from their previous forecast of ($0.12). The consensus estimate for Medifast’s current full-year earnings is $0.51 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Medifast’s Q2 2026 earnings at ($0.42) EPS, Q3 2026 earnings at ($0.35) EPS, Q4 2026 earnings at ($0.68) EPS, FY2026 earnings at ($2.00) EPS, Q1 2027 earnings at ($0.52) EPS, Q2 2027 earnings at ($0.40) EPS, Q3 2027 earnings at ($0.33) EPS, Q4 2027 earnings at ($0.65) EPS and FY2027 earnings at ($1.90) EPS.

Medifast (NYSE:MED) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 17th. The specialty retailer reported ($0.55) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of ($0.76) by $0.21. The firm had revenue of $75.10 million for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $71.40 million. Medifast had a negative return on equity of 4.27% and a negative net margin of 4.84%.Medifast has set its FY 2026 guidance at -2.750–1.55 EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance at -0.700–0.15 EPS.

A number of other equities analysts have also recently commented on MED. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a “sell (d)” rating on shares of Medifast in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Stephens cut their target price on shares of Medifast from $15.00 to $12.00 and set an “equal weight” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, February 19th. Finally, Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Medifast from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a research note on Saturday, February 21st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Reduce” and a consensus price target of $12.00.

Medifast Price Performance

Shares of MED stock opened at $9.50 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $104.38 million, a PE ratio of -5.55 and a beta of 0.52. Medifast has a 1-year low of $9.44 and a 1-year high of $15.46. The business has a 50-day moving average of $11.04 and a 200 day moving average of $12.00.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Medifast

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Medifast by 261.8% during the second quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 2,001 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 1,448 shares during the period. BNP Paribas Financial Markets lifted its stake in Medifast by 103.1% in the third quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 2,338 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 1,187 shares during the period. Quantbot Technologies LP purchased a new stake in Medifast in the third quarter worth $37,000. Intesa Sanpaolo Wealth Management bought a new stake in Medifast in the fourth quarter valued at $47,000. Finally, State of Wyoming purchased a new position in Medifast during the 4th quarter valued at $59,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 95.51% of the company’s stock.

Medifast News Summary

Here are the key news stories impacting Medifast this week:

• Negative Sentiment: Zacks slashed FY2026 EPS to ($2.00) from prior forecasts, implying a much deeper full‑year loss than previously expected. Zacks cuts FY2026
• Negative Sentiment: Zacks also reduced FY2027 EPS to ($1.90) from around breakeven/near‑flat prior estimates, extending the firm’s view that recovery will be pushed out. Zacks cuts FY2027
• Negative Sentiment: Quarterly forecasts were cut across the board: notable moves include Q1 2026 to ($0.55) (from about ($0.12)), Q2 2026 to ($0.42) (from ~$0.05), Q4 2026 to ($0.68) (from ~$0.33), and similar steep downgrades for Q1–Q4 2027. These revisions point to a multi‑quarter earnings hit ahead. Zacks quarterly cuts
• Negative Sentiment: Zacks published an FY2028 estimate of ($1.83), indicating the firm expects extended weakness beyond 2027 rather than a quick rebound. Zacks FY2028 view

Medifast Company Profile

Medifast, Inc (NYSE: MED) is a health and wellness company specializing in clinically supported weight-loss, weight-management and healthy living products and services. Through its OPTAVIA brand, the company offers a range of meal replacement products, snacks, supplements and coaching programs designed to support metabolic health and sustainable lifestyle changes. Medifast markets its products directly to consumers via a network of independent distributors—known as OPTAVIA Coaches—who provide personalized guidance and support throughout the client’s weight‐loss journey.

Founded in 1980 by William Vitale and headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, Medifast has grown into a nationally recognized provider of nutrition and weight‐management solutions.