Medifast (NYSE:MED) Stock Rating Lowered by Zacks Research

Medifast (NYSE:MED) was downgraded by research analysts at Zacks Research from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report released on Tuesday,Zacks.com reports.

Separately, Weiss Ratings restated a “sell (e+)” rating on shares of Medifast in a research note on Monday, August 3rd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of “Reduce” and a consensus price target of $12.00.

Medifast Stock Performance

Shares of MED opened at $11.58 on Tuesday. Medifast has a one year low of $9.22 and a one year high of $14.67. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $10.99 and a 200 day moving average price of $11.06. The company has a market capitalization of $129.48 million, a P/E ratio of -4.97 and a beta of 0.65.

Medifast (NYSE:MED) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, August 3rd. The specialty retailer reported ($0.28) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.65) by $0.37. Medifast had a negative return on equity of 6.69% and a negative net margin of 8.08%.The company had revenue of $76.38 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $72.70 million. Medifast has set its FY 2026 guidance at -1.750–0.250 EPS and its Q3 2026 guidance at -0.650–0.150 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Medifast will post -1 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. BlackRock Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Medifast during the second quarter worth approximately $3,920,000. Lido Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Medifast in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $4,521,000. Steamboat Capital Partners LLC acquired a new position in Medifast in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $2,952,000. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its position in Medifast by 30.5% in the 4th quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 776,829 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock worth $8,297,000 after buying an additional 181,618 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE lifted its position in Medifast by 37.4% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 396,369 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock worth $5,569,000 after buying an additional 107,854 shares in the last quarter. 95.51% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Medifast

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.