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Tuesday, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (NASDAQ:CBRL), trading at $43.83 and down nearly 15% year-to-date, continues to carry a Hold rating from Benchmark analysts following a recent series of meetings with the company’s senior management. Benchmark’s Todd Brooks provided insights into the ongoing strategic transformation of the Cracker Barrel brand, which was discussed in detail during the meetings held on April 17th with clients. According to InvestingPro data, the company maintains a FAIR Financial Health score of 1.95, suggesting stable but measured performance.
CEO Julie Masino and CFO Craig Pommels led a comprehensive review of the initiatives that are part of Cracker Barrel’s strategic transformation. They highlighted some early successes but also acknowledged the challenges that typically accompany such efforts. Management emphasized that progress is not always linear, citing softer-than-expected traffic trends from Placer AI during the April quarter. These trends are believed to be influenced by various external factors, including adverse weather conditions in February and a dip in consumer confidence. The company, which generates annual revenue of $3.5 billion, remains profitable according to InvestingPro analysis.
In response to the latest observations, Benchmark has adjusted its third fiscal quarter 2025 (April) same-store sales (SSS) estimates for Cracker Barrel. The firm now expects the restaurant’s SSS to be at (0.3)% compared to the previously anticipated 1%. Additionally, the retail SSS forecast has been revised to (4)% from an earlier expectation of (1.5)%. These revised estimates reflect the potential impact of the current consumer environment on Cracker Barrel’s performance.
Despite the challenges, Cracker Barrel’s management remains committed to the strategic transformation plan. However, Benchmark has decided to maintain its Hold rating on Cracker Barrel stock, indicating a cautious outlook due to the complexities of executing a strategic overhaul amid a weakening consumer environment. The firm’s stance suggests a watchful approach as Cracker Barrel navigates through its transformation process. InvestingPro analysis indicates the stock is currently undervalued, with additional insights available in the comprehensive Pro Research Report, which offers detailed analysis of this and 1,400+ other US stocks.
In other recent news, Cracker Barrel has reported a strong Q1 2025 financial performance, exceeding analyst expectations with an adjusted earnings per share of $1.38, compared to the projected $0.99, and revenues of $949.4 million, surpassing the forecasted $939.97 million. Truist Securities responded to this robust performance by upgrading Cracker Barrel’s stock rating from Hold to Buy, setting a new price target of $55. They noted the company’s ongoing turnaround efforts, evidenced by two consecutive quarters of solid results, and highlighted that the stock is trading below its estimated price-to-earnings ratio. Meanwhile, BofA Securities reduced Cracker Barrel’s price target to $48 from $60, maintaining an Underperform rating, citing broader industry challenges despite the company’s strong Q2 performance. The company has been focusing on menu innovation and operational improvements, which have positively impacted its financial results, including a 4.7% growth in comparable store restaurant sales. Analysts at BofA anticipate that Cracker Barrel’s positive sales momentum will continue into the second half of 2025, supported by enhanced marketing efforts. These developments reflect a mixed but overall positive outlook for Cracker Barrel as it navigates industry challenges and continues its strategic initiatives.
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