Cracker Barrel (CBRL) Up 1.4% Since Last Earnings Report: Can It Continue?

Core Viewpoint - Cracker Barrel Old Country Store reported a narrower-than-expected loss in Q1 fiscal 2026, but revenues fell short of expectations, indicating challenges in the current macro and industry environment [3][5][4]. Financial Performance - The company reported an adjusted loss per share of 74 cents, better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 78 cents, while the previous year showed an adjusted EPS of 45 cents [5]. - Quarterly revenues were $797.2 million, missing the consensus estimate of $801 million, and reflecting a 5.7% decrease year over year [5]. - Comparable-store restaurant sales decreased by 4.7% year over year, and comparable-store retail sales fell by 8.5% year over year [6]. Operational Highlights - The cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation and rent) was $248.4 million, down 4% year over year, but as a percentage of total revenues, it increased by 60 basis points to 31.2% [7]. - General and administrative expenses totaled $48 million, down 20% year over year [7]. - The adjusted net loss for the quarter was $16.4 million, compared to an adjusted net income of $10.2 million in the same quarter last year [8]. Balance Sheet - As of October 31, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $8.9 million, down from $11.5 million a year earlier [9]. - Inventory reached $209.1 million, up 3.6% year over year [9]. - Long-term debt was $400.9 million, reduced from $527 million a year prior [9]. Fiscal Guidance - For fiscal 2025, the company revised its revenue guidance to a range of $3.2-$3.3 billion, down from $3.35-$3.45 billion [11]. - Adjusted EBITDA is now expected to be between $70 million and $110 million, a decrease from the previous estimate of $150 million to $190 million [11]. - Capital expenditures are projected to be between $110-$125 million, down from an earlier estimate of $135 million to $150 million [12]. Market Sentiment - Estimates for the stock have trended downward, with a significant shift of -113.98% in consensus estimates over the past month [13]. - Cracker Barrel currently holds a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), indicating expectations of below-average returns in the coming months [15].