Kura Sushi (KRUS) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst

KRUS-0.95%

Source: NASDAQ.COM

Updated: Jan 16 2026

0mins

Source: NASDAQ.COM

KRUS

$68.05+Infinity%1D

Analyst Views on KRUS

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

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.