Shares exploded in late-February when we started seeing positive vaccine news. Since then, this has pulled back hard thanks to analyst downgrades on valuation concerns. It reported last night a bottom and top line miss, and shares tumbled 4% today. But there was bullish commentary about traffic trends and reopening gyms, plus new investments. This reopening play could be worth buying.
Planet Fitness is the best gym stock with 2,353 locations in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Australia. Their franchise model lets them expand quickly, but they earn a lot less per gym. They had a great IPO rally in 2015 through early 2020. Since then, it's been choppy, though rebounding in recent months. Just reported 8.2% same-store sales growth. They target 4,000 locations later. They ultra-cheap memberships and franchise model will shield them from a recession. They can grind higher over time.
Gym memberships are flat YOY in this sector. He speculates that the weight-loss drug craze is a/the reason. Shares of this are weak, down from its peak, down 6% so far this year. Also, PLNT tried to raise prices, then had to roll back.