Kura Sushi USA, Inc. Class A (KRUS)

Over the past six months, Kura Sushi USA's stock price declined by 25.85% between January 10, 2025, and January 8, 2026. In the fiscal third quarter ending May 31, 2025, total sales increased, but comparable restaurant sales decreased by 2.1%. The fiscal fourth quarter of 2025 saw total sales increase by 18.9%, but comparable restaurant sales decreased by 1.3%. For the fiscal first quarter ended November 30, 2025, total sales increased, but comparable restaurant sales decreased by 2.5%, and the adjusted net loss widened. Despite these challenges, the stock price rose 12.5% on January 8, 2026, after management reiterated fiscal year 2026 targets. Earlier in fiscal year 2025, the second quarter was negatively impacted by weather events, leading to a 5.3% decline in same-store sales.

The restaurant industry, including sushi restaurants, generally experiences seasonality in demand. Demand for sushi can be influenced by the seasonality of different fish species. Kura Sushi's management strategizes around seasonal opportunities, and its stock performance may exhibit historical patterns tied to specific times of the year. Seasonality is recognized as a challenge within the broader sushi restaurant market.

Kura Sushi USA, Inc. is a technology-enabled Japanese restaurant concept operating in the United States. It was established in 2008 as a subsidiary of Kura Sushi, Inc. and is known for its revolving sushi bar system. The company offers a variety of sushi plates and made-to-order dishes, emphasizing fresh, high-quality ingredients without artificial additives. Kura Sushi USA integrates technology such as touch-panel tablets, express belts, Kur-B the KuraBot, and the Bikkura Pon prize system into its dining experience.

Kura Sushi USA is headquartered in Irvine, California, and operates across the United States. As of January 2026, it has 83 locations in 22 states and Washington D.C., with California having the most locations (23) followed by Texas (14) as of November 2025. The company is expanding into new markets, planning to open 16 new restaurants in fiscal year 2026.

Kura Sushi USA maintains a strong brand reputation through its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. The company is recognized for its technology-driven dining experience and focus on serving authentic Japanese cuisine with fresh ingredients. Brand engagement is enhanced through collaborations with IP owners, such as One Piece and Kirby. Customer ratings averaged over 4.5 stars on review platforms in 2023, indicating positive customer perception.

Kura Sushi USA, Inc. operates with a dual-class stock structure, where its Japanese parent company, Kura Sushi, Inc., maintains majority voting control. As of September 2025, institutional firms held 74.8% of the company's total shares outstanding. Major institutional owners include Stephens Inc /ar/, Granahan Investment Management, LLC, and BlackRock, Inc. Retail investors held approximately 38% of total shares outstanding, institutional investors held around 45%, and hedge funds controlled about 12% as of Q3 2023. Insider ownership is relatively low, at 2.28%. Hajime Uba serves as the Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer.