: iStockAnalyst.com Symbols Feed

Restaurant Investing: Indigestion Ahead

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 01:29:33 GMT

A year ago, I highlighted the fast casual restaurant segment favorably, suggesting these chains would benefit from falling input costs and a slowdown in expansion. Most of the stocks mentioned are higher today despite the overall market being down. I followed that article up a few days later with a explanation of why I bought BJ's Restaurants (BJRI), which turned out to be a real winner. While most of the stocks mentioned are up, the path wasn't so straight, as all of these stocks were hammered in the October massacre. I had alluded to the too-high debt levels of many of these companies, and those were the[More...]

Restaurants Getting Weaker

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:36:11 GMT

In the premarket, futures are higher following AIG's earnings announcement and an employment report showing 247,000 jobs lost in July. Mish Shedlock goes over recent employment data in detail, noting that we are seeing an acceleration in number of people losing unemployment benefits. On a percentage of population basis this recession is unparalleled. Making matters worse, the US consumer was nowhere near as leveraged to real estate in 1980 or 1982 as now. Also note that boomers are heading into retirement now, undercapitalized and looking for jobs, in effect competing against their kids and grandkids for jobs. Look at the average age of baggers in grocery stores or greeters at Walmart. These people are not working because they want to; they are[More...]

Restaurant Stocks: It’s Time To Sell

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 03:55:36 GMT

Let’s face it, people need to eat, and sometimes, yea, we like to treat ourselves and eat something a little above and beyond the normal fare. Even in recessionary times, consumers can only hold off for so long before they eventually give in to at least SOME of life’s temptations and finer things. We can see the evidence that speaks to this need at least partially in the restaurant sector as we speak. Results have been trickling in over the last few months by many different operators and surprisingly, most of the results have not been as bad as feared, or forecast. As a result, and also because of the timing of the bounce of the recent market bottom, restaurant stocks have soared to the tune of anywhere from 50-200% depending on the company. So, is this justified? Are we at or near a bottom, and are things turning around? Personally, I don’t think so, and I feel[More...]

CPKI Serves Positive Earnings, But... - Analyst Blog

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:42:42 GMT

Highlights include California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. (CPKI), BJ's Restaurant and Brewery, Inc. (BJRI), Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (RRGB) and The Cheesecake Factory, Inc. (CAKE). CPKI Cooks Up Positive Earnings Surprise, but Stock is No Treat Traffic tumbles and revival may be a year away. [More...]

Restaurants Too Hot To Sample

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:25:52 GMT

Highlights include Buffalo Wild Wings (BWLD), BJ's Restaurants Inc. (BJRI), California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. (CPKI) and Famous Dave's (DAVE). Restaurant Growth Stocks Rising - But Will Earnings Follow? Restaurant growth stocks have been sizzling lately. Shares of rapidly expanding restaurant chains have increased 91% since their November lows. Although the group's share prices remain 35% below[More...]

Restaurant Industry - Industry Outlook

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:55:00 GMT

Casual Dining Too Pricey to Nibble On Restaurant Stocks Sizzle Restaurant stocks continued rocketing back from their November lows, soaring 24% thus far in March and outpacing the Russell 2000 and the S&P 500 indexes, both of which rose nearly 14% this month. Since bottoming in November, the Zacks restaurant index has more than doubled, rising 109%, compared with a gain of 27% for the Russell 2000 and a 23% increase in the S&P 500. Our restaurant index's rebound has been sharper than the broader market, in part because its fall was greater. All 3 indexes remain 43% off their 52-week highs. Investors Prefer Casual Dining[More...]

Restaurant Margin Relief Underway

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 18:18:00 GMT

Waistlines won't be the only thing expanding at restaurants as commodity prices decline. As expected, recent labor department releases show food costs declining, while restaurant prices continue to rise, suggesting restaurant operators should enjoy margin expansion in 2009. The Labor Department's December Producer Price Index (PPI) indicated a reversal in the rise in finished food costs, declining 1.5% in December from the prior month, following no change in November. The most marked changes were for fresh and dry vegetables, which fell 14.9% sequentially, after rising 3.8% in November. Food costs had been rising steeply, driven in part by rising energy prices and the attendant demand for corn for ethanol, which crowded out land for growing wheat and increased feed costs. For the full-year 2008, food costs rose 3.7%, following a 7.6% jump in 2007. The drop in food costs follows a string of price increases taken by[More...]

McDonald's Continues to Dominate

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:17:00 GMT

As I mentioned in my post about a deteriorating consumer environment here, I think McDonald's is shaping up to be an excellent play. Earlier in the year, McDonald's (MCD) was touted as a "weak dollar" play due to their extensive international exposure and the massive currency gains they were posting from the exchange rates worldwide. But, things have changed in six months time. Nowadays, a recently strengthening dollar provides currency headwinds for MCD's global business. But, I do not see this as being a major problem because demand and sales should easily overshadow any and all currency implications.Why might you ask? The answer is simple: consumers worldwide trading down to "cheap" alternatives. McDonald's is the king of cheap. They are a fast-food chain, after all; with a $1 menu to boot. When consumers are in a pinch,[More...]

Technical Analysis: Charts With Solid Risk/Reward

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 06:08:00 GMT

Just wanted to breeze through some charts really quick, since it's been a while. Time for some good old technical analysis. Ok, right to it. BJ's Restaurants. Simply put, this place is a clusterf*ck. They're facing rising input costs and slower dining traffic. As I've written about here and here, the consumer environment just isn't that hot right now. In fact, its accelerating to the downside. So, this place will only get squeezed harder. Their solution? Raise prices faster. Oh, great, that will really get struggling consumers in the door. BJRI is hurting so much for any type of positive news that it was up 9% yesterday on an analyst upgrade. Yes, one[More...]

Deteriorating Consumer Environment: Abercrombie and Fitch Evidence

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 14:53:00 GMT

This is just continuing evidence of a lackluster consumer environment. Abercrombie and Fitch (ANF) same store receipts were down in August, setting up what I predict will be a downward accelerating consumer environment. Both Citi and Merrill Lynch downgraded ANF on Friday, citing deteriorating sales and increased markdowns. In fact, Citi went as far as to say that they think ANF could trade at its lowest multiple in 5 years. Just something to keep an eye on as you try to balance your portfolios.Specialty retail is getting hit hard (and will continue to get hit hard) as effects from the housing market, consumer credit crunch, and inflation take a toll on[More...]

BJ's Opens Henderson Restaurant

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 19:46:54 GMT

BJ's Restaurants, operator of casual dining chain, has opened its newest restaurant in Henderson, Nevada. The new BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse is located at 9520 S. Eastern Avenue, immediately south of the I-215 freeway at the Eastern Avenue interchange.[More...]

PepsiCo, Abercrombie & Fitch, Microsoft big movers

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 22:18:00 GMT

NEW YORK - Stocks that moved substantially or traded heavily Friday on the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq Stock Market:
Quarterly profit fell 43 percent, hurt by a stronger dollar and restructuring charges.
The teen retailer, which resisted discounts competitors offered during the holidays, saw quarterly profit slide 68 percent - but adjusted results beat analysts' expectations.

[More...]

J2 Retail System Targets Gas Stations, Retailers Looking to Update Cash Registers

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 07:55:00 GMT

Oil companies aren't the only ones looking to make a profit off of high petroleum prices.
Tustin's J2 Retail Systems Inc. is looking to capitalize on them by selling cash register computers to gas station operators.
"The big driver in the convenience store market is that oil companies put forth an end-of-life mandate that says all the equipment that is installed currently needs to upgraded to a PC with a Pentium processor and the newest software," J2 Chief Executive Alex Nelson said.

[More...]

BJ's Restaurants Sets a New Opening-Day Sales Record in Downey, CA

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:26:00 GMT

BJ's Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ:BJRI) today announced the record-setting opening of its newest restaurant in Downey, California, on August 3, 2009. The new BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse is located at the Stonewood Center Mall, a 950,000 square foot, super-regional shopping center anchored by Macy’s Home Store, Macy’s, JCPenney and Kohl’s. The restaurant is approximately 8,600 square feet, includes seating for approximately 260 guests and features BJ’s extensive menu, including BJ's signature deep-dish pizza, award-winning handcrafted beer and famous Pizookie® dessert. BJ’s highly detailed, contemporary décor and unique video statement, including several high definition flat panel televisions, creates a high energy, fun and family-friendly dining environment for everyone to enjoy. Hours of operation are from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight Sunday through Thursday and 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday.[More...]

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. Reports Financial Results for the Second Quarter of Fiscal 2009

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 20:06:00 GMT

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ: BJRI) today reported financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2009 that ended on Tuesday, June 30, 2009.[More...]

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. Announces Date for Second Quarter 2009 Earnings Release and Conference Call

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:26:00 GMT

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ: BJRI) today announced that it will release its second quarter 2009 results after the market closes on Thursday, July 23, 2009. The Company will host an investor conference call at 2:00 p.m. (Pacific) that same day. The conference call will be broadcast live over the Internet. To listen to the conference call, please visit the “Investors” page of the Company's website located at http://www.bjsrestaurants.com several minutes prior to the start of the call to register and download any necessary audio software. An archive of the presentation will be available for 30 days following the call.[More...]

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. to Present at the 9th Annual Oppenheimer Consumer, Gaming, Lodging & Leisure Conference

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:23:00 GMT

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ:BJRI) today announced that management will be presenting at the Oppenheimer 9th Annual Consumer, Gaming, Lodging & Leisure Conference at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston on Tuesday, July 14, 2009. The presentation is scheduled to begin at 12:05 PM ET and will be broadcast live over the Internet. Interested parties may listen to the presentation at the Company's website located at http://www.bjsrestaurants.com. The presentation can be accessed by clicking on the "Investors" link from the Company's home page followed by the "Presentation" link. An archive of the presentation will be available following the live presentation for 30 days.[More...]

BJ's Restaurants Opens in Mesquite, Texas

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:10:00 GMT

BJ's Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ: BJRI) today announced the opening of its 85th restaurant in Mesquite, Texas, on June 29, 2009. The new BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse is located at 1106 Town East Mall on the southeast corner of I-635 and Town East Boulevard, at the super-regional 1.25 million square foot Town East Mall. The restaurant is approximately 9,000 square feet, includes seating for approximately 280 guests and features BJ’s extensive menu, including BJ's signature deep-dish pizza, award-winning handcrafted beer and our famous Pizookie® dessert. BJ’s highly detailed, contemporary décor and unique video statement, including several high definition flat panel televisions, creates a high energy, fun and family-friendly dining environment for everyone to enjoy. Hours of operation are from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight Sunday through Thursday and 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday.[More...]

NIRI Orange County Announces the Winners of Its 16th "True Grit" Annual Report Competition

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:46:00 GMT

The Orange County Chapter of the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI OC) announced the winners of its 16th Annual Report Competition at its NIRI Awards Banquet on June 24 on The Wild Goose, John Wayne's private yacht, managed by Hornblower Cruises and Events in Newport Beach, CA.
The NIRI OC Annual Report Competition has been conducted for the past 16 years to recognize the best annual reports of publicly traded companies based in Orange County and greater Southern California.
The CFA Society of Orange County judged the 23 printed annual reports submitted, and Powell Internet (PINT), a San Diego-based Internet consulting firm, judged the online annual reports submitted.

[More...]

BJ's Restaurants Celebrates Father’s Day Weekend With Free Commemorative Pint Glass and Premier Golf Getaway Sweepstakes for Dads

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:53:00 GMT

“BJ's Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ:BJRI) is making this Father’s Day weekend even more special for dads. On June 20th and 21st, BJ’s will give each father a commemorative pint glass with the purchase of any beverage and a chance to win a premier golf getaway vacation. Each restaurant will also be featuring a special Father’s Day drink menu with some of dad’s favorite mixed drinks and BJ’s award-winning handcrafted beers.[More...]

BJ's Restaurants, Inc. Holds Annual Meeting of Shareholders

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:57:00 GMT

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ:BJRI) held its annual meeting of shareholders on Wednesday, June 3, 2009. Shareholders re-elected Gerald W. Deitchle, Peter A. Bassi, Larry D. Bouts, Shann M. Brassfield, James A. Dal Pozzo, J. Roger King and John F. Grundhofer to the Board of Directors to serve for one-year terms until the next annual meeting. Additionally, shareholders also ratified the selection of Ernst & Young LLP to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2009. Management also provided shareholders with an overview of the Company’s fiscal 2008 financial results and an update on the Company’s current expansion plan and key initiatives in progress.[More...]

BJ's Restaurants Introduces Over 20 New Menu Creations Nationwide

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:56:00 GMT

BJ's Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ:BJRI) today announced the national introduction of over 20 new menu creations. Starting at just $7.95, the menu features new entrees and appetizers, as well as an extensive list of new beverages.[More...]

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. to Present at the Following Conferences in June

Wed, 27 May 2009 17:24:00 GMT

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ: BJRI) today announced that management will be presenting at three investor conferences during the month of June. The details of the conferences are listed below:[More...]