Simply Good Foods Appoints Joseph Scalzo as CEO
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 23 2026
0mins
Should l Buy SMPL?
On January 20, 2026, The Simply Good Foods Company announced that Joseph Scalzo joined the Company in the role of President and CEO. Pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement, on January 19, 2026 and in connection with Mr. Scalzo's appointment, the Company granted to Mr. Scalzo an option to purchase 2,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock, with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of a share of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. The stock option has an 8-year term and vests over a three-year period, with approximately one-third vesting each year on the anniversary date of his start date, subject to Mr. Scalzo's continued employment on the scheduled vesting dates or the occurrence of certain termination of employment events, in which case, the terms of his employment agreement provide for continued vesting and exercisability of the stock option. The stock option grant was awarded as an inducement material to Mr. Scalzo's commencing employment with the Company, and this information is being provided pursuant to the requirements of Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).
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Analyst Views on SMPL
Wall Street analysts forecast SMPL stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for SMPL is 27.25 USD with a low forecast of 22.00 USD and a high forecast of 35.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
10 Analyst Rating
4 Buy
6 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 17.370
Low
22.00
Averages
27.25
High
35.00
Current: 17.370
Low
22.00
Averages
27.25
High
35.00
About SMPL
The Simply Good Foods Company is a consumer packaged food and beverage company. The Company's product portfolio consists primarily of protein bars, ready-to-drink (RTD) shakes, sweet and salty snacks, and confectionery products marketed under the Atkins, Quest and OWYN brands. The Quest brand is for consumers seeking a variety of protein-rich foods and beverages that also limit sugars and simple carbohydrates. The Atkins brand is for those following a low-carbohydrate lifestyle or seeking to manage weight or blood sugar levels. The OWYN brand is for consumers seeking protein-rich beverages that are plant-based and tested for the top nine allergens that also limit sugars and simple carbohydrates. Its OWYN RTD shakes and powders do not contain gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, nuts, tree nuts, are low in sugar, and contain prebiotic fiber. It distributes its products in major retail channels, primarily in North America, as well as through e-commerce, convenience, specialty, and other channels.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Simply Good Foods Company Rating Analysis
- Rating Reaffirmation and Price Target: Morgan Stanley reaffirmed a Hold rating on Simply Good Foods Company on January 21, setting a price target of $24.00, indicating a cautious outlook despite market divergence on future performance.
- Bullish Rating and CEO Return: Stifel Nicolaus assigned a Buy rating with a $32 price target on January 20, believing Joe Scalzo's return will enhance performance in the Quest and Atkins brands, particularly in non-salty snacks.
- Financial Flexibility and Strategic Actions: Stifel highlighted the financial flexibility of Simply Good Foods as a key factor supporting its optimistic rating, noting modest leverage on the balance sheet that allows for strategic actions, including a disciplined M&A approach to bolster growth potential.
- Gradual Profitability Recovery: Profitability for Simply Good Foods is expected to gradually recover, with margins projected to rebound towards the high-30% range, supporting a healthier balance between earnings growth and reinvestment, thereby reinforcing the Buy rating.
See More
Simply Good Foods (SMPL) Appoints Joe Scalzo as CEO, Former Executive Returns
- Executive Return: Simply Good Foods has appointed former CEO Joe Scalzo as the new president and CEO, succeeding Geoff Tanner, aiming to enhance company leadership with his extensive industry experience.
- Leadership Change Impact: Scalzo previously stepped down as CEO in July 2023 and is expected to drive strategic execution and operational efficiency within the company upon his return.
- Market Reaction: Following the announcement, Simply Good Foods' stock price rose 0.05% in pre-market trading to $20.94, indicating investor confidence in the new leadership.
- Financial Performance: The company reported a Q1 2026 non-GAAP EPS of $0.39, beating expectations by $0.03, with revenue of $340.2 million exceeding forecasts by $870,000, reflecting strong financial performance.
See More
Atkins Partners with Heather Gay to Enhance Nutrition for GLP-1 Users
- Nutritional Support for Success: Atkins collaborates with reality TV star Heather Gay to emphasize the critical role of nutrition in the weight management journeys of GLP-1 users, helping them overcome challenges and achieve sustainable results.
- Clinical Trial Findings: New research indicates that Atkins High Protein Shakes and Bars effectively address common digestive issues and muscle retention challenges faced by GLP-1 users, providing a convenient nutritional solution to support weight loss success.
- Investment in Innovation: Atkins is committed to researching the impact of high-protein and high-fiber diets on GLP-1 users, aiming to support health goals with scientific data and enhance the brand's leadership position in the weight management market.
- Brand Commitment: Over the past 50 years, the Atkins brand has helped millions achieve their health goals through science and clinical studies, and it will continue to drive the development of healthy lifestyles through innovation.
See More
Atkins Partners with Heather Gay to Promote Low-Carb Diet for Weight Management Success
- Nutritional Support for Weight Loss: Atkins collaborates with reality TV star Heather Gay to emphasize the importance of a low-carb diet for GLP-1 users, helping them improve muscle retention and metabolism for long-term success.
- Clinical Trial Findings: New research indicates that daily intake of Atkins High Protein Shakes and Bars can alleviate digestive issues for GLP-1 users while providing essential nutrients, aiding in muscle retention during weight loss and improving overall health markers.
- Innovative Dietary Approach: Atkins' tailored eating plan makes it easier for GLP-1 users to consume adequate protein and fiber without exacerbating stomach discomfort, showcasing its potential advantages in weight loss and health management.
- Growing Market Demand: With the rise in GLP-1 medication usage, Atkins is committed to researching how high-protein and high-fiber diets can meet users' nutritional needs, ensuring its competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market.
See More
Simply Good Foods (SMPL) Reports Q1 Net Income Drop to $25.27 Million
- Profit Decline: Simply Good Foods reported a net income of $25.27 million for Q1, translating to $0.26 per share, down from $38.12 million and $0.38 per share last year, reflecting dual pressures from declining sales and rising costs.
- Operating Income Reduction: Operating income fell to $37.58 million from $54.63 million in the prior-year quarter, indicating challenges in cost control and market competition that could impact future profitability.
- Slight Sales Decrease: Q1 net sales were $340.19 million, a slight decline from $341.27 million last year, suggesting weak market demand that may affect the company's overall growth outlook.
- Guidance Reaffirmation: The company reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 guidance, expecting net sales to range from a 2% decline to a 2% increase, with adjusted EBITDA projected to fall up to 4% or rise up to 1% year-over-year, indicating uncertainty in future market conditions.
See More
Simply Good Foods (SMPL) Expected to Report Q1 Earnings of 36 Cents per Share
- Earnings Decline: Simply Good Foods is expected to report Q1 earnings of 36 cents per share on January 8, 2025, down from 49 cents a year ago, indicating profitability challenges that may affect investor confidence.
- Revenue Slight Increase: Analysts project quarterly revenue to reach $339.33 million, slightly down from $341.27 million last year, reflecting weak growth in market demand, which may not meet investor expectations.
- Stock Price Volatility: Following the release of weaker-than-expected Q4 earnings, Simply Good Foods shares fell 3.7% to close at $18.84, suggesting market concerns about the company's future performance and prompting investors to reassess their holdings.
- Analyst Rating Changes: Several analysts maintained neutral ratings, with Bernstein raising the price target from $29 to $31, while Mizuho cut its target from $43 to $35, indicating divergent views on the company's future prospects.
See More
Simply Good Foods Company Rating Analysis
- Rating Reaffirmation and Price Target: Morgan Stanley reaffirmed a Hold rating on Simply Good Foods Company on January 21, setting a price target of $24.00, indicating a cautious outlook despite market divergence on future performance.
- Bullish Rating and CEO Return: Stifel Nicolaus assigned a Buy rating with a $32 price target on January 20, believing Joe Scalzo's return will enhance performance in the Quest and Atkins brands, particularly in non-salty snacks.
- Financial Flexibility and Strategic Actions: Stifel highlighted the financial flexibility of Simply Good Foods as a key factor supporting its optimistic rating, noting modest leverage on the balance sheet that allows for strategic actions, including a disciplined M&A approach to bolster growth potential.
- Gradual Profitability Recovery: Profitability for Simply Good Foods is expected to gradually recover, with margins projected to rebound towards the high-30% range, supporting a healthier balance between earnings growth and reinvestment, thereby reinforcing the Buy rating.
See More
Simply Good Foods (SMPL) Appoints Joe Scalzo as CEO, Former Executive Returns
- Executive Return: Simply Good Foods has appointed former CEO Joe Scalzo as the new president and CEO, succeeding Geoff Tanner, aiming to enhance company leadership with his extensive industry experience.
- Leadership Change Impact: Scalzo previously stepped down as CEO in July 2023 and is expected to drive strategic execution and operational efficiency within the company upon his return.
- Market Reaction: Following the announcement, Simply Good Foods' stock price rose 0.05% in pre-market trading to $20.94, indicating investor confidence in the new leadership.
- Financial Performance: The company reported a Q1 2026 non-GAAP EPS of $0.39, beating expectations by $0.03, with revenue of $340.2 million exceeding forecasts by $870,000, reflecting strong financial performance.
See More
Atkins Partners with Heather Gay to Enhance Nutrition for GLP-1 Users
- Nutritional Support for Success: Atkins collaborates with reality TV star Heather Gay to emphasize the critical role of nutrition in the weight management journeys of GLP-1 users, helping them overcome challenges and achieve sustainable results.
- Clinical Trial Findings: New research indicates that Atkins High Protein Shakes and Bars effectively address common digestive issues and muscle retention challenges faced by GLP-1 users, providing a convenient nutritional solution to support weight loss success.
- Investment in Innovation: Atkins is committed to researching the impact of high-protein and high-fiber diets on GLP-1 users, aiming to support health goals with scientific data and enhance the brand's leadership position in the weight management market.
- Brand Commitment: Over the past 50 years, the Atkins brand has helped millions achieve their health goals through science and clinical studies, and it will continue to drive the development of healthy lifestyles through innovation.
See More
Atkins Partners with Heather Gay to Promote Low-Carb Diet for Weight Management Success
- Nutritional Support for Weight Loss: Atkins collaborates with reality TV star Heather Gay to emphasize the importance of a low-carb diet for GLP-1 users, helping them improve muscle retention and metabolism for long-term success.
- Clinical Trial Findings: New research indicates that daily intake of Atkins High Protein Shakes and Bars can alleviate digestive issues for GLP-1 users while providing essential nutrients, aiding in muscle retention during weight loss and improving overall health markers.
- Innovative Dietary Approach: Atkins' tailored eating plan makes it easier for GLP-1 users to consume adequate protein and fiber without exacerbating stomach discomfort, showcasing its potential advantages in weight loss and health management.
- Growing Market Demand: With the rise in GLP-1 medication usage, Atkins is committed to researching how high-protein and high-fiber diets can meet users' nutritional needs, ensuring its competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market.
See More
Simply Good Foods (SMPL) Reports Q1 Net Income Drop to $25.27 Million
- Profit Decline: Simply Good Foods reported a net income of $25.27 million for Q1, translating to $0.26 per share, down from $38.12 million and $0.38 per share last year, reflecting dual pressures from declining sales and rising costs.
- Operating Income Reduction: Operating income fell to $37.58 million from $54.63 million in the prior-year quarter, indicating challenges in cost control and market competition that could impact future profitability.
- Slight Sales Decrease: Q1 net sales were $340.19 million, a slight decline from $341.27 million last year, suggesting weak market demand that may affect the company's overall growth outlook.
- Guidance Reaffirmation: The company reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 guidance, expecting net sales to range from a 2% decline to a 2% increase, with adjusted EBITDA projected to fall up to 4% or rise up to 1% year-over-year, indicating uncertainty in future market conditions.
See More
Simply Good Foods (SMPL) Expected to Report Q1 Earnings of 36 Cents per Share
- Earnings Decline: Simply Good Foods is expected to report Q1 earnings of 36 cents per share on January 8, 2025, down from 49 cents a year ago, indicating profitability challenges that may affect investor confidence.
- Revenue Slight Increase: Analysts project quarterly revenue to reach $339.33 million, slightly down from $341.27 million last year, reflecting weak growth in market demand, which may not meet investor expectations.
- Stock Price Volatility: Following the release of weaker-than-expected Q4 earnings, Simply Good Foods shares fell 3.7% to close at $18.84, suggesting market concerns about the company's future performance and prompting investors to reassess their holdings.
- Analyst Rating Changes: Several analysts maintained neutral ratings, with Bernstein raising the price target from $29 to $31, while Mizuho cut its target from $43 to $35, indicating divergent views on the company's future prospects.
See More
