Planet Fitness Downgraded to $133 Target, Cuts Growth Forecast to 7%, Stock Falls 30%
Jefferies cut Planet Fitness’s price target from $175 to $133 after weak Q1 member sign-ups triggered a 30% post-earnings drop. The company trimmed its full-year revenue growth forecast to 7% from 9%, expects only 1% same-club sales and paused planned Black Card price hikes while facing an investor probe.
1. Analyst Downgrade and Price Target Reduction
Jefferies reduced the price target for Planet Fitness from $175 to $133, citing slower than expected new membership growth. This represents a nearly 25% downgrade in target valuation reflecting concerns over the company’s ability to sustain its prior growth trajectory.
2. Post-Earnings Stock Plunge and Guidance Revision
The stock plunged over 30% following the earnings release, as the company cut its full-year revenue growth projection to 7% from 9%. Management now forecasts only 1% same-club sales growth, underscoring the impact of weaker demand.
3. Membership Trends and Pricing Strategy
Sluggish first-quarter sign-ups led Planet Fitness to pause a planned price increase for its Black Card membership offering. This decision aims to stabilize member growth but signals short-term pressure on average revenue per user.
4. Investor Investigation Launch
Law firm Johnson Fistel, PLLP initiated an investigation into potential shareholder claims, focusing on whether the company adequately disclosed its membership slowdown and guidance cuts. The probe adds legal risk to the company’s financial outlook.