Kura Sushi anticipates 16 new locations and projected sales of $330M–$334M in 2026, facing margin challenges from tariffs and economic factors. | Intellectia.AI
Kura Sushi anticipates 16 new locations and projected sales of $330M–$334M in 2026, facing margin challenges from tariffs and economic factors.
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Management Insights: Kura Sushi USA's CEO highlighted a record 15 new restaurant openings in fiscal 2025, despite challenges from a volatile consumer environment and tariff pressures. The company is also implementing a new robotic dishwasher expected to improve labor efficiency in many locations.
Financial Performance: The company reported total sales of $79.4 million for Q4 2025, with a slight comparable sales growth of 0.2%. Net income improved to $2.3 million, a significant turnaround from a net loss in the previous year.
Fiscal 2026 Guidance: Kura Sushi anticipates total sales between $330 million and $334 million, with plans to open 16 new units and maintain restaurant-level operating profit margins around 18%. However, Q1 2026 is expected to face negative comp challenges due to tough year-over-year comparisons.
Analyst Sentiment: Analysts expressed cautious optimism, focusing on macroeconomic pressures and cost containment. Management's tone shifted from previous confidence in growth to a more measured approach, acknowledging the impact of tariffs and consumer behavior on future performance.
Wall Street analysts forecast KRUS stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for KRUS is 78.43 USD with a low forecast of 59.00 USD and a high forecast of 95.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
8 Analyst Rating
Wall Street analysts forecast KRUS stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for KRUS is 78.43 USD with a low forecast of 59.00 USD and a high forecast of 95.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
5 Buy
3 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 68.700
Low
59.00
Averages
78.43
High
95.00
Current: 68.700
Low
59.00
Averages
78.43
High
95.00
Piper Sandler
Brian Mullan
Neutral
maintain
$59 -> $67
2026-01-16
Reason
Piper Sandler
Brian Mullan
Price Target
$59 -> $67
AI Analysis
2026-01-16
maintain
Neutral
Reason
Piper Sandler analyst Brian Mullan raised the firm's price target on Kura Sushi to $67 from $59 and keeps a Neutral rating on the shares following an Investor Meeting with the company at the ICR Conference in Orland. As discussed on the recent Fiscal Q1 2026 earnings call, management believes that the recent de-coupling of the reservation system from the rewards program could drive increased consumer uptake of the platform. Said decoupling only took place in December, so it will be important / interesting to monitor progress on this initiative over the balance of the Fiscal Year, the firm adds.
Lake Street
Mark Smith
Buy
downgrade
$79 -> $70
2026-01-08
Reason
Lake Street
Mark Smith
Price Target
$79 -> $70
2026-01-08
downgrade
Buy
Reason
Lake Street analyst Mark Smith lowered the firm's price target on Kura Sushi to $70 from $79 and keeps a Buy rating on the shares after Kura reported fiscal Q1 revenue and same-store sales that modestly exceeded the firm's expectations. The firm views the quarter as "steady amid a more pressured consumer environment," but is lowering its price target as it rolls its valuation to new F2027 estimates and accounts for lower bottom line growth.
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Citi
Jon Tower
Neutral
maintain
$62 -> $65
2026-01-08
Reason
Citi
Jon Tower
Price Target
$62 -> $65
2026-01-08
maintain
Neutral
Reason
Citi analyst Jon Tower raised the firm's price target on Kura Sushi to $65 from $62 and keeps a Neutral rating on the shares. The company's same-store-sales in fiscal Q1 were "better than feared," the analyst tells investors in a research note.
Barclays
Equal Weight
downgrade
$67 -> $62
2026-01-07
Reason
Barclays
Price Target
$67 -> $62
2026-01-07
downgrade
Equal Weight
Reason
Barclays lowered the firm's price target on Kura Sushi to $62 from $67 and keeps an Equal Weight rating on the shares. The firm adjusted targets in the restaurant group as part of its 2026 outlook. Sales challenges persist for the sector, the analyst tells investors in a research note. Barclays expects quick service to regain share from fast casual and casual dining, and it remains bullish on foodservice distribution.
About KRUS
Kura Sushi USA, Inc. is a technology-enabled Japanese restaurant concept with approximately 70 locations across 20 states and Washington DC. The Company offers guests a dining experience built on authentic Japanese cuisine and an engaging revolving sushi service model. Its various sushi items are made fresh using fish and rice. Its vinegar, made using old-world methods, is sourced from Japan. Its broths are made in-house daily using ingredients that impart complex umami flavors. It also offers a variety of side dishes and desserts including gyoza, tempura, soups, ramen, mochi, and cheesecake. The Company prepares its food without artificial sweeteners, seasonings, colorings or preservatives. Its restaurant layout blends a traditional Japanese dining experience characterized by wood designs throughout the dining room mixed with the brand's technology utilizing the revolving conveyor belt, the express belt, the robot server, the tablet ordering and the Bikkura-Pon rewards machines.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
