Grocery Outlet and Scholastic Face New Analyst Scrutiny on Consumer Trends
247Wallst·2026-03-09 15:29

Grocery Outlet - Grocery Outlet's stock has fallen 42.92% year-to-date, currently trading at $5.72, following a Q4 EPS of $0.19 that missed the consensus estimate of $0.21 by 10.59% [1] - Comparable store sales decreased by 0.8%, down from a 1.2% increase in Q3, and average transaction size fell by 1.7% [1] - Bank of America has lowered its price target for Grocery Outlet from $13 to $10.50, maintaining a Neutral rating due to ongoing supply chain pressures and consumer affordability challenges [1] - The company reported a GAAP net loss of $218.16 million, driven by $259.2 million in impairment charges [1] - FY2026 guidance indicates comparable store sales could decline by 2.0% to flat, with diluted adjusted EPS projected between $0.45 to $0.55, significantly lower than the $0.76 delivered in FY2025 [1] - The consensus among 14 analysts shows 10 holds and 1 sell, with an average price target of $8.31, indicating uncertainty about recovery [1] - Consumer sentiment is at a recessionary level of 56.4, which may impact Grocery Outlet's value-oriented customer base [1] Scholastic - Scholastic's stock is currently trading at $34.49, up 66.44% over the past year, and has been downgraded to Neutral from Buy by B. Riley, with a price target of $37 unchanged [1] - The downgrade follows a substantial Q2 FY2026 earnings beat, with adjusted EPS of $2.57 compared to a consensus of $2.07, representing a 24.15% increase [1] - Operating income grew by 11.57% year-over-year, and the company generated approximately $401 million in net proceeds from a sale-leaseback, funding a $150 million share repurchase program [1] - Education Solutions revenue fell by 13% in Q2 after a 28% drop in Q1, indicating persistent funding headwinds [1] - Analysts view the growth expectations as largely reflected in the current stock price, limiting further upside potential [1]

Grocery Outlet and Scholastic Face New Analyst Scrutiny on Consumer Trends - Reportify