Medifast, Inc. (NYSE: MED) - Comprehensive Stock Analysis

Key Findings Summary

Medifast, Inc. operates the OPTAVIA coach-guided weight management and metabolic health platform but has experienced sharp revenue declines amid competition from GLP-1 medications, while maintaining a robust cash balance and limited analyst coverage pointing to a cautious "Hold" consensus.

Stock Performance and Company Financials

Stock Performance Overview

Historical Context: The stock reached an all-time high closing price of $294.26 on May 28, 2021.

52-week range (as of late July 2026 data): $9.22 low to $15.11 high.

Interpretation: The stock has undergone a dramatic long-term decline from its 2021 peak, consistent with broader challenges in the traditional weight-loss industry.

Recent Performance Metrics (as of early August 2026 data points)

PeriodMED ReturnS&P 500 Return
YTD6.74%10.85%
1-Year27.56%21.65%
3-Year89.87% (cumulative?)68.56%
5-Year96.08% (cumulative?)71.56%

Limitation: Performance data reflects periods ending around early August 2026; past performance is not indicative of future results. Returns shown are trailing total returns where available.

Company Financials

Overview: TTM revenue approximately $346.1 million with net loss of $20.02 million (profit margin -5.78%).

TTM EPS: -$1.82. Strong balance sheet with ~$168.95 million in cash and equivalents (mrq) and minimal debt (Total Debt/Equity 8.15%).

Key Financial Highlights (TTM unless noted)

MetricValue
Revenue (TTM)$346.1M
Net Income (TTM)-$20.02M
Profit Margin-5.78%
ROA (ttm)-4.33%
ROE (ttm)-9.80%
Cash & Equivalents (mrq)$168.95M
Market Cap (approx. recent)~$109M

Recent Quarterly Results

Guidance (as of Q1 2026 release): FY 2026 revenue $270M–$300M; FY 2026 loss per share $1.55–$2.75.

Interpretation: Revenue contraction reflects pressure on coach network and client acquisition; company emphasizes shift toward metabolic health and GLP-1 support plans while targeting future profitability improvements starting potentially in Q4 2026.

Uncertainty: Quarterly results and guidance are subject to change; full Q2 2026 details released August 3, 2026, with earnings call.

Links for more information:

Data limitation: Financial figures primarily from TTM or specific quarterly releases as of August 2026; always verify latest SEC filings (10-Q/10-K) for complete audited data. No current stock price displayed per guidelines.

Analyst Ratings

Consensus: Hold / Neutral (limited coverage with 1-2 analysts typically).

Average price target: ~$12.00 (range $12.00–$16.50 from available analysts).

Recent Analyst Actions

DateAnalyst/FirmRatingTarget
Feb 19, 2026Stephens & Co.Equal-Weight / Hold$12.00 (lowered from $15)
Feb 19, 2025D.A. DavidsonHold$16.50

Zacks Research upgraded to Strong Buy in July 2026.

Interpretation: Limited Wall Street coverage suggests lower visibility; targets imply potential upside from recent trading levels but reflect cautious outlook amid industry headwinds.

Uncertainty: Analyst estimates and ratings can shift rapidly with new earnings or market developments; only a small number of firms cover the stock.

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Customers and Competitors

Customers

Primary Base: Health and wellness consumers in the United States seeking weight loss, weight management, and healthy living solutions via e-commerce platform and independent coach network.

Interpretation: Business model relies heavily on direct-to-consumer sales and a network of independent coaches rather than traditional retail or broad advertising.

Competitors

Direct and Indirect Peers:

CompanyTypeNotes
WW International (Weight Watchers)Direct program competitorStructured weight loss with behavior change support
NoomDigital program competitorApp-based behavioral coaching
HerbalifeDirect-selling nutrition peerDistributor-led nutrition products
USANA Health SciencesNutritional supplements peerSimilar wellness product focus
Hims & Hers / RoTelehealth / GLP-1 substitutesMedication access and support
Novo Nordisk / Eli LillyGLP-1 medication makersPrimary disruptors via Wegovy, Zepbound, etc.

Interpretation: Traditional meal-replacement and coaching programs face substitution risk from GLP-1 drugs and digital alternatives; Medifast has adapted by offering nutritional support plans.

Links for more information:

Limitation: Competitor landscape is dynamic; list is not exhaustive and based on publicly available comparisons as of 2026. Customer demographics are generalized from company descriptions.

Additional Notes on Data Quality

Overall data limitations: Information current as of early August 2026; financials and news subject to updates. Verify with primary sources like SEC EDGAR or company IR for investment decisions. Stock performance excludes any dividends (none recent). No real-time or current pricing included.