Kura Sushi USA Inc. (NASDAQ: KRUS), a publicly traded sushi restaurant chain based in Irvine, California, is on the cusp of releasing its financial results for the first quarter of 2026. Scheduled for disclosure after the market closes on Wednesday, January 7, market analysts are forecasting a net loss per share of 16 cents. This anticipated loss is twice as large as the 8 cents loss reported during the first quarter of the previous year.
Despite expectations of increased losses, the company’s revenue appears poised for growth. Consensus estimates from financial data provider Benzinga Pro forecast quarterly revenues reaching approximately $73.05 million, an increase from $64.46 million in the comparable quarter of 2025. This indicates an approximate revenue growth of 13%, underscoring Kura Sushi’s expanding sales footprint amid operational challenges affecting profitability.
Investors have recently responded positively to the company’s prior quarterly performance. On November 6, 2025, Kura Sushi reported financial results for the fourth quarter that surpassed market expectations, accompanied by an upward revision of its total sales guidance for the fiscal year 2025. These announcements contributed to a 1.7% increase in the share price, culminating in a closing value of $52.33 on that trading day.
The lead-up to the earnings release also saw notable analyst activity. Among the most accurate sector analysts tracked by Benzinga's rating system, some have revised their price targets and ratings in light of recent company performance and broader market trends.
On November 7, 2025, TD Cowen analyst Andrew M. Charles maintained his Hold rating on Kura Sushi but lowered the price target substantially from $79 to $59. This adjustment reflects a cautious stance despite Charles’s 54% accuracy rate in rating outcomes, indicating moderate confidence in his forecast adjustments.
Similarly, Barclays analyst Jeffrey Bernstein preserved his Equal-Weight rating but decreased the price target from $75 to $67 as of October 22, 2025. Bernstein’s accuracy rate stands at 62%, suggesting a relatively solid track record in assessing market movements for stocks like KRUS.
In contrast, Citigroup analyst Jon Tower remained neutral on Kura Sushi but significantly increased his price target, raising it from $85 to $96 on July 9, 2025. Tower’s accuracy rating is notably higher at 70%, which could denote confidence in the company’s longer-term value despite near-term operational pressures.
Roth Capital analyst George Kelly maintained a Buy rating with an optimistic price target upwards of $106, a rise from the previous $89 as of July 9, 2025. Kelly’s 66% accuracy rate adds weight to this bullish perspective, signaling potential upside for Kura Sushi’s stock if growth strategies succeed.
As market participants anticipate the forthcoming earnings announcement, these mixed analyst positions underscore divergent interpretations of Kura Sushi’s balance sheet, sales momentum, and profitability challenges. The increased guidance for fiscal 2025 sales juxtaposed against the expected larger quarterly loss highlights complexities facing the company related to cost management and operational efficiency.
Investors contemplating positions in KRUS stock should note the recent share price movement and analyst sentiments. Market data reflects a closing price near $52.99 with a modest increase of 1.26% at the last indicated trading session, conveying tentative investor optimism tempered by cautious outlooks from some expert analysts.
Overall, the dynamics surrounding Kura Sushi highlight the importance of closely monitoring upcoming earnings disclosures and management commentary for further insights into the company’s capability to translate revenue growth into sustained profitability.