Medifast (NYSE:MED) Releases Q1 2026 Earnings Guidance

Medifast (NYSE:MED) issued an update on its first quarter 2026 earnings guidance on Tuesday morning. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of -0.700–0.15 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of -0.260. The company issued revenue guidance of $65.0 million-$80.0 million, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $78.1 million. Medifast also updated its FY 2026 guidance to -2.750–1.55 EPS.

Medifast Trading Down 3.3%

Shares of NYSE MED opened at $10.42 on Wednesday. Medifast has a one year low of $10.10 and a one year high of $16.45. The firm has a market capitalization of $114.46 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 1,045.40 and a beta of 0.53. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $11.35 and a 200 day simple moving average of $12.32.

Medifast (NYSE:MED) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 17th. The specialty retailer reported ($0.55) EPS for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of ($0.76) by $0.21. Medifast had a negative return on equity of 0.89% and a net margin of 0.06%.The company had revenue of $75.10 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $71.40 million. Medifast has set its FY 2026 guidance at -2.750–1.55 EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance at -0.700–0.15 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that Medifast will post 0.51 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms have weighed in on MED. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a “sell (d)” rating on shares of Medifast in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Wall Street Zen upgraded Medifast from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Saturday, December 6th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of “Reduce” and an average target price of $16.50.

Medifast News Roundup

Here are the key news stories impacting Medifast this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Q4 revenue slightly beat estimates — Medifast reported Q4 revenue of $75.1M, a modest beat versus Street estimates, which supports the top-line story that sales are holding up better than feared. Read More.
• Positive Sentiment: Balance sheet liquidity remains adequate — the company reported roughly $89M in cash and materially lower total liabilities year-over-year, which reduces near-term solvency concerns. Read More.
• Neutral Sentiment: Management set FY 2026 revenue target of $270M–$300M and highlighted a CEO transition and metabolic-health focus — this frames the strategic plan but falls well below consensus, so investors will watch execution closely. Read More.
• Neutral Sentiment: Earnings call and transcripts available for detail — management commentary (calls/slides) will be the key source for color on margin drivers, cost cuts, and the new leadership timeline. Read More.
• Negative Sentiment: Big EPS miss and widening losses — EPS was -$1.65 (vs. consensus around -$0.76), with a net loss of $18.1M and a steep drop in gross profit and operating income, signaling margin pressure and higher-than-expected expenses. Read More.
• Negative Sentiment: Guidance materially below Street expectations — Q1 EPS guidance of -$0.70 to -$0.15 and FY EPS of -$2.75 to -$1.55, plus FY revenue guidance of $270M–$300M vs. consensus near $355M, suggest a significant reset to investor earnings assumptions. Read More.

Institutional Trading of Medifast

Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. BNP Paribas Financial Markets increased its position in shares of Medifast by 103.1% during the 3rd quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 2,338 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 1,187 shares during the last quarter. Quantbot Technologies LP purchased a new stake in Medifast during the third quarter worth about $37,000. Intesa Sanpaolo Wealth Management bought a new stake in Medifast in the fourth quarter worth about $47,000. State of Wyoming purchased a new position in Medifast in the fourth quarter valued at about $59,000. Finally, Strs Ohio bought a new stake in shares of Medifast in the 1st quarter worth approximately $78,000. 95.51% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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.