How does SCS's Q1 2026 EPS forecast compare to past trends?

Steelcase's (NYSE:SCS) Q1 2026 EPS forecast is $0.130-0.170, compared to the consensus estimate of $0.120. The company's EPS has experienced a decline of 5.8% annually over the last five years.

1. **Recent Performance**: In the most recent quarter, Steelcase reported an EPS of $0.26, which was $0.05 better than the analyst estimate of $0.21. This indicates a recent improvement in earnings performance.

2. **Trends and Challenges**: Despite the recent positive performance, Steelcase's EPS has declined by 5.8% annually over the last five years, which suggests that the company has faced challenges that have impacted its earnings trend. The company's fixed cost base has made it difficult to adjust to shrinking demand.
3. **Market Conditions**: The company's guidance for Q1 2026 EPS of $0.10-$0.14 versus the analyst consensus of $0.12 indicates a more cautious outlook from the company and analysts. This could be due to various market conditions and industry trends that are not yet fully reflected in the consensus estimate.

In conclusion, while Steelcase has recently exceeded earnings expectations, the EPS forecast for Q1 2026 suggests a cautious outlook, and the company's earnings have trended downward in recent years, which may be a concern for investors.