Buffalo Wild Wings thrives where others fail-IBD
Double digit sales growth for 12 straight quarters defines Buffalo Wild Wings (BWLD), especially as tough economic times have depressed sales at a number of restaurant chains nationwide. What are they doing right? “”I think it’s really the experience that sets us apart,” says CEO Sally Smith. “We’ve been very focused on meeting the guests’ needs and desires. It’s not about turning tables, it’s about guests staying as long as they want.” With 526 restaurants in 38 states second quarter company-owned same store sales increased 8.3%, and 4.5% at franchised units. Earnings jumped 41% to 31 cents per share, as sales were up 29% to $97.9M. Lynne Collier with KeyBanc Capital Markets looks to the $12 price point. “I think their price value is very attractive. It has good quality food in good quantity for the price”, she says. The ad budget was increased 50% in the second quarter, with more to come. Analysts expect 2008 earnings to climb 28% to $1.41 a share, and then be up 22% in 2009, and another 28% in 2010.

Google’s GPhone: Powerful but not elegant-Silicon Alley Insider
Early insider reviews of Google’s (GOOG) new Android phone say that it’s powerful but nothing like Apple’s (AAPL) iPhone. Reportedly it’s bulky and big, and hardly a design marvel.

AT&T reportedly getting iPhone 3G stock about August 21-Boy Genius Report
Availability is said to be based on existing direct fulfillment orders being filled.

China Yahoo to enter gaming market-Pacific Epoch
China Yahoo (YHOO) is expected to enter the gaming market and has had talks with a Chinese gaming firm.

SunPower-SPWR volatility low; shares rally on PCG electricity deal
SPWR is recently up $8.13 to $86.70 in pre-open trading. PCG announced it will purchase electricity from a facility built by SPWR. SPWR over all option implied volatility of 54 is below its 26-week average of 64 according to Track Data, suggesting decreasing price movement.

Alexion Pharm-ALXN volatility Flat; shares near record high
ALXN, an developer of anti-inflammatory therapeutics primarily for hematological and cardiovascular discords, autoimmune diseases and cancer, is recently up 71c to $95.11 in pre-open trading. Cowen has an Outperform rating on ALXN. ALXN over all option implied volatility of 46 is near its 26-week average according to Track Data, suggesting non-directional price movement.

First Solar-FSLR: Buy shares, a deal may come soon@SBSH
Citigroup said SPWR’s deal with PCG was from last year and FSLR was not in the market. The analyst said they would buy FSLR on the news and not SPWR (do to low margins) as checks suggest FSLR will have a large-scale announcement soon.

Lehman Brothers-LEH: Target estimates lowered, see $3.6B in write-downs@FPKI
Fox-Pitt lowered Lehman’s target to $50 from $62 and its FY08 EPS estimate to $3.99 from $4.50 as they expect the broker to have write-downs of $3.6B.

J.C. Penney-JCP reports Q2 EPS 52c vs. consensus of 50c
Reports Q2 revenue $4.28B vs. consensus of $4.28B. The Company reported that comparable store inventory levels at the end of the second quarter were below last year, and it remains on track for total inventory to be below 2007 levels by the end of the Back-to-School season.
J.C. Penney-JCP sees Q3 EPS 70c-75c vs. cosnensus of 75c
Sees Q3 sales down in the low single digits, sees Q3 SSS down in the mid single digits.
J.C. Penney-JCP reports Q2 SSS down 4.3%

SunPower-SPWR signs substantial agreement with PCG@TWPT
tThomas Weisel said PCG has entered into two large scale contracts for a total of 800MW with SPWR and OptiSolar, SPWR will install 250MW. The firm views the win as a positive for SPWR and for the large scale systems market. The firm notes that this is not a negative for FSLR and would recommend buying shares on any weakness.

Urban Outfitters-URBN: Believe company has strong momentum@FBRC
After Urban Outfitters reported higher than expected EPS, Friedman Billings believes the company has a top management team and has shown that it can perform well during the economic slowdown. The firm reiterated their Outperform rating.

Urban Outfitters-URBN: Stock highlighted as Top Growth-Oriented Pick@FBRC
FBRC advises investors to take advantage of the stock pullback in the low $30s to buy shares, as well as cutting back as it accelerates to the high $30 range. The firm believes the company will be outperforming their peers. FBRC increased their FY08/FY09 with a $39 target price. Valuation is extremely rich and the firm reiterates their Outperform rating.

Ricks Cabaret-RICK: Believe company will take more market share@MERI
After Ricks reported lower than expected EPS for its Q3, Merriman believes the miss was caused by start-up costs, and they think the company’s core club trends are still solid. Merriman maintained their Buy rating.