Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. (BNED) Price Target Analysis
Updated Jul 2, 2026
Analyst Rating: Hold
Based on 3 analysts51.7% Below Target
BNED trades 51.7% below Wall Street's consensus target of $17.25.
Current Price$11.37
Average Target$17.25
Target
Current
Low$16.00
Median$17.25
High$18.50
Analyst Target Range
Forward P/E49.4x
(Growth Premium)
PEG Ratio—
Implied Growth+181.3%
(High Growth)
Analyst Spread14.5%
(High Agreement)
Price Forecast (1 Year)
Last 12 months price action with 12-month analyst target path
Consensus Scenario Assumptions
The base valuation assumes BNED achieves its forward estimates and maintains a stable P/E multiple of 49.4x. This scenario reflects the blended consensus of 3 Wall Street analysts, balancing both positive catalysts and macroeconomic headwinds over the next 12 months.
BNED Price Target Analysis
Updated July 8, 2026As of July 8, 2026, Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. (BNED) has a Wall Street consensus price target of $17.25, based on estimates from 3 covering analysts. With the stock currently trading at $11.37, this represents a potential upside of +51.7%. The company has a market capitalization of $390M.
Analyst price targets range from a low of $16.00 to a high of $18.50, representing a 14% spread in expectations. The median target of $17.25 aligns closely with the consensus average. The tight target dispersion indicates high conviction among analysts.
The current analyst consensus rating is Hold, with 1 analysts rating the stock as a Buy or Strong Buy,2 rating it Hold, and 0 rating it Sell or Strong Sell. The mixed ratings reflect uncertainty about near-term direction.
From a valuation perspective, BNED trades at a trailing P/E of -4.5x and forward P/E of 49.4x. Analysts expect EPS to grow +181.3% over the next year.
Investment Context: Price targets represent analyst expectations for the next 12 months and should be considered alongside your own research. Targets are based on analysts' assumptions about earnings growth, margins, and market conditions which may change. For sector-specific context, view other Consumer Cyclical stocks.
Analyst Sentiment Comparison
Industry Peer AnalysisAvg Peer Upside
+350.6%
Industry Consensus
Avg Forward P/E
16.5x
(Fair)
Peers with Coverage
9 / 10
Active Analyst Tracking
| Company | Market Cap | Price | Target | Upside Potential | Rating | Fwd P/E | Analysts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 CHGGChegg, Inc. | $105M | $0.94 | $30.42 | +3140.3% | Hold | — | 22 |
 PRDOPerdoceo Education Corporation | $2.2B | $35.16 | $44.00 | +25.1% | Hold | 12.0x | 9 |
 VSCOVictoria's Secret & Co. | $6.2B | $78.23 | $57.00 | -27.1% | Buy | 28.6x | 14 |
 STRAStrategic Education, Inc. | $1.8B | $79.19 | $87.00 | +9.9% | Buy | 11.0x | 18 |
 LOPEGrand Canyon Education, Inc. | $4.2B | $152.96 | $100.00 | -34.6% | Buy | 15.2x | 18 |
 COURCoursera, Inc. | $982M | $5.80 | $7.79 | +34.3% | Buy | 10.5x | 17 |
 AMZNAmazon.com, Inc. | $2.6T | $245.98 | $307.77 | +25.1% | Buy | 27.9x | 94 |
 WLYJohn Wiley & Sons, Inc. | $2.7B | $52.29 | — | — | Hold | 12.4x | 3 |
 PSOPearson plc | $11.0B | $16.86 | $14.50 | -14.0% | Hold | 24.0x | 15 |
 QUADQuad/Graphics, Inc. | $433M | $8.28 | $8.00 | -3.4% | Buy | 6.8x | 7 |
BNED — Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about buying BNED stock.
What is the BNED stock price target for 2026?
The consensus Wall Street price target for BNED is $17.25, representing 51.7% upside from the current price of $11.37. With 3 analysts covering the stock, this strong upside suggests significant value not yet reflected in today's share price.
Is BNED a buy, sell, or hold?
BNED has a consensus rating of "Hold" based on 3 Wall Street analysts. The rating breakdown is mixed, with 2 Hold ratings making up the largest segment. The consensus 12-month price target of $17.25 implies 51.7% upside from current levels.
Is BNED stock overvalued or undervalued?
At a forward P/E of 49.4348x, BNED trades at a premium valuation. The consensus price target of $17.25 (51.7% upside) suggests analysts still see growth justifying the multiple.
How high can BNED stock go?
The most bullish Wall Street analyst has a price target of $18.5 for BNED, while the most conservative target is $16. The consensus of $17.25 represents the median expectation. These targets typically reflect 12-month expectations.
How many analysts cover BNED stock?
BNED is lightly followed, with 3 analysts providing price targets and ratings. Of these, 0 have Strong Buy ratings, 1 have Buy ratings, 2 recommend Hold, and 0 have Sell or Strong Sell ratings. Higher analyst coverage generally indicates greater institutional interest and more reliable consensus estimates.
What is the BNED stock forecast?
The 12-month BNED stock forecast based on 3 Wall Street analysts shows a consensus price target of $17.25, with estimates ranging from $16 (bear case) to $18.5 (bull case). The median consensus rating is "Hold".
What is BNED's forward P/E ratio?
BNED trades at a forward P/E ratio of 49.4x based on next-twelve-months earnings estimates. The higher forward P/E suggests near-term earnings pressure. A forward P/E is useful for comparing valuations when earnings are expected to change significantly.
Should I buy BNED stock?
Wall Street analysts are very optimistic on BNED, with a "Hold" consensus rating and $17.25 price target (51.7% upside). 1 of 3 analysts rate it Buy or Strong Buy. This information is for educational purposes only. Always conduct your own research, consider your financial situation, and consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Why do BNED price targets vary so much?
BNED analyst price targets range from $16 to $18.5, a 14% tight range reflecting strong analyst consensus. Differences stem from varying assumptions about revenue growth, profit margins, competitive dynamics, and valuation multiples. The $17.25 consensus represents the middle ground.
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