Just ask Dr. Phil, Rachael Ray, or any of dozens of Oprah’s Book Club authors: a nod from Oprah Winfrey can mean big things for one’s career. And that’s the kind of boost that weight management services company WW International (NASDAQ:WW), more commonly known as Weight Watchers, is looking for in an Oprah special on Monday night. It’s already gotten at least some of that boost, up over 13% in Monday afternoon’s trading.
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Oprah already demonstrated the level of influence she has, as WW International lost some ground when she announced she was leaving the company’s board. Now, the upcoming special should provide a boost as she openly advocates for the place she left.
With the rise of weight loss drugs from several pharmaceutical companies, the notion of going on a long-term diet and denying yourself free access to your favorite foods somehow seems less palatable. But with subscription guidance on the rise, and a likely endorsement from Oprah on her special “Blame, Shame and the Weight Loss Revolution,” the end result looks a lot better for WW.
Blame, Shame, and Oprah’s Weight Loss Revolution
Oprah knows from where she speaks on weight loss. Her early career was marked by several bouts of weight gain and loss, to the point where it was frequently mocked on several sitcoms of the era. But her departure from the board allows her to “…talk about whatever I want,” a move which actually does help the company. If Oprah endorsed the company as part of its board, it would likely ring hollow. Now, it gets a bit more authenticity to it. Ideally, she probably should have left six months to a year ago, but any distance is a good distance.
What Is the Stock Price Prediction for Weight Watchers?
Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Moderate Buy consensus rating on WW stock based on four Buys, three Holds, and one Sell assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. After a 39.74% loss in its share price over the past year, the average WW price target of $6.25 per share implies 144.62% upside potential.
