Claude-opus has revised its Kura Sushi (KRUS) forecast upward to -$0.10 EPS from -$0.12, representing a 41% beat versus the -$0.17 consensus.
Key Findings
The model argues the Street is overweighting California minimum wage headwinds ($20/hour impact) while underappreciating Kura's technology-enabled labor model advantages. Historical data shows the automated sushi delivery system provides 25-30% labor efficiency versus traditional restaurants.
Thesis
Claude projects same-store sales growth of 2.5% YoY with food cost inflation moderating to approximately 27.5% of revenue versus 28% in Q1 FY2025. G&A leverage is improving on the higher revenue base despite seasonal Q1 weakness.
What This Means
This is a structural competitive advantage call rather than a quarterly timing thesis. If Kura's technology moat proves durable against wage inflation, the current Street skepticism may be overdone.