Zacks Research Downgrades Medifast (NYSE:MED) to Hold

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

Separately, Weiss Ratings reiterated a “sell (e+)” rating on shares of Medifast in a report on Monday, August 3rd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Medifast currently has an average rating of “Reduce” and a consensus target price of $12.00.

Medifast Stock Down 0.6%

Shares of MED opened at $11.58 on Tuesday. Medifast has a 12-month low of $9.22 and a 12-month high of $14.67. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $10.99 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $11.06. The stock has a market cap of $129.48 million, a PE ratio of -4.97 and a beta of 0.65.

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

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of MED. BNP Paribas Financial Markets grew its position in shares of Medifast by 103.1% in the 3rd quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 2,338 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 1,187 shares during the last quarter. Quantbot Technologies LP bought a new position in shares of Medifast during the third quarter worth about $37,000. Intesa Sanpaolo Wealth Management bought a new position in shares of Medifast during the fourth quarter worth about $47,000. State of Wyoming acquired a new position in shares of Medifast in the fourth quarter worth approximately $59,000. Finally, Strs Ohio acquired a new position in shares of Medifast in the first quarter worth approximately $78,000. 95.51% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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.