BNED trades 47.3% below Wall Street's consensus target of $17.25.
Last 12 months price action with 12-month analyst target path
The base valuation assumes BNED achieves its forward estimates and maintains a stable P/E multiple of 20.7x. This scenario reflects the blended consensus of 3 Wall Street analysts, balancing both positive catalysts and macroeconomic headwinds over the next 12 months.
As of October 3, 2026, Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. (BNED) has a Wall Street consensus price target of $17.25, based on estimates from 3 covering analysts. With the stock currently trading at $11.71, this represents a potential upside of +47.3%. The company has a market capitalization of $406M.
Analyst price targets range from a low of $16.00 to a high of $18.50, representing a 14% spread in expectations. The median target of $17.25 aligns closely with the consensus average. The tight target dispersion indicates high conviction among analysts.
The current analyst consensus rating is Hold, with 1 analysts rating the stock as a Buy or Strong Buy,2 rating it Hold, and 0 rating it Sell or Strong Sell. The mixed ratings reflect uncertainty about near-term direction.
From a valuation perspective, BNED trades at a trailing P/E of 23.9x and forward P/E of 20.7x. Analysts expect EPS to grow -12.2% over the next year.
| Company | Market Cap | Price | Target | Upside Potential | Rating | Fwd P/E | Analysts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 CHGGChegg, Inc. | $83M | $0.74 | $30.42 | +4022.0% | Hold | — | 22 |
 PRDOPerdoceo Education Corporation | $2.0B | $31.91 | $44.00 | +37.9% | Hold | 10.9x | 9 |
 VSCOVictoria's Secret & Co. | $6.9B | $87.12 | $88.67 | +1.8% | Buy | 31.8x | 14 |
 STRAStrategic Education, Inc. | $1.8B | $79.72 | $92.00 | +15.4% | Buy | 11.1x | 18 |
 LOPEGrand Canyon Education, Inc. | $4.1B | $155.79 | $161.67 | +3.8% | Buy | 15.3x | 18 |
 COURCoursera, Inc. | $922M | $5.02 | $7.60 | +51.4% | Buy | 7.9x | 17 |
 AMZNAmazon.com, Inc. | $2.7T | $251.52 | $326.83 | +29.9% | Buy | 19.7x | 94 |
 WLYJohn Wiley & Sons, Inc. | $2.5B | $47.50 | — | — | Hold | 11.3x | 3 |
 PSOPearson plc | $10.0B | $16.12 | $14.50 | -10.0% | Hold | 22.9x | 15 |
 QUADQuad/Graphics, Inc. | $486M | $9.42 | $13.50 | +43.3% | Buy | 7.2x | 7 |
Quick answers to the most common questions about buying BNED stock.
The consensus Wall Street price target for BNED is $17.25, representing 47.3% upside from the current price of $11.71. With 3 analysts covering the stock, this strong upside suggests significant value not yet reflected in today's share price.
BNED has a consensus rating of "Hold" based on 3 Wall Street analysts. The rating breakdown is mixed, with 2 Hold ratings making up the largest segment. The consensus 12-month price target of $17.25 implies 47.3% upside from current levels.
BNED trades at a forward P/E of 20.7257x, representing a moderate valuation. With analysts targeting $17.25 (47.3% implied move), the stock appears reasonably valued with upside.
The most bullish Wall Street analyst has a price target of $18.5 for BNED, while the most conservative target is $16. The consensus of $17.25 represents the median expectation. These targets typically reflect 12-month expectations.
BNED is lightly followed, with 3 analysts providing price targets and ratings. Of these, 0 have Strong Buy ratings, 1 have Buy ratings, 2 recommend Hold, and 0 have Sell or Strong Sell ratings. Higher analyst coverage generally indicates greater institutional interest and more reliable consensus estimates.
The 12-month BNED stock forecast based on 3 Wall Street analysts shows a consensus price target of $17.25, with estimates ranging from $16 (bear case) to $18.5 (bull case). The median consensus rating is "Hold".
BNED trades at a forward P/E ratio of 20.7x based on next-twelve-months earnings estimates compared to a trailing P/E of 23.9x. The lower forward P/E indicates analysts expect earnings growth. A forward P/E is useful for comparing valuations when earnings are expected to change significantly.
Wall Street analysts are very optimistic on BNED, with a "Hold" consensus rating and $17.25 price target (47.3% upside). 1 of 3 analysts rate it Buy or Strong Buy. This information is for educational purposes only. Always conduct your own research, consider your financial situation, and consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
BNED analyst price targets range from $16 to $18.5, a 14% tight range reflecting strong analyst consensus. Differences stem from varying assumptions about revenue growth, profit margins, competitive dynamics, and valuation multiples. The $17.25 consensus represents the middle ground.
Live VCP patterns, Cup & Handle overlays, support/resistance, and AI trade plans.
High-probability breakout stocks crossing their pivot across 5 pattern engines.
DCF models, multiple analysis, and analyst estimates.
10-year return with dividends reinvested.
Compare growth, multiples, and margins vs sector.