California Pizza Kitchen (CPKI), which I first discussed here on May 16, 2009, at a price of $13.53, continues to exhibit sideways action at or near $16.50. But I still like the business model at this stage. Here's why.

In 2011, CPKI's performance should improve as the U.S. economic recovery progresses. Look for same-store sales (in this case, restaurants) to rise about 2% to 2.5%, after a 3.3% decline in 2010.

Continue reading California Pizza Kitchen: Sideways Action Continues

California Pizza Kitchen: Sideways Action Continues originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Restaurant chain Darden Restaurants (DRI), first discussed here on June 25, 2009, at a price of $32.78, has formed a double-top near $51. So now would be a good time to consider taking some profits off the table, if you're in near $33.

However, those investors who can tolerate the risk can maintain their full position and go for an bigger gain, but investors should keep in mind that Darden probably won't clear $60 in 2011. The potential upside is still adequate, but not fantastic.

Continue reading Darden Restaurants: Time to Take Some Profits?

Darden Restaurants: Time to Take Some Profits? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 20 Mar 2011 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Quality is a big reason why Panera Bread (PNRA) has not only survived but prospered during this economic slowdown," says Alexander Green.

The editor of The Oxford Club explains, "I prefer to buy from -- and invest in -- companies that compete primarily on the basis of quality.

"Why? Because quality is remembered long after price is forgotten. In short, Panera is a case study in how to attract customers -- and shareholders -- the right way. Customers tend to patronize those firms with a reputation for meeting or exceeding expectations. Plus, satisfied customers are an excellent source of referrals.

Continue reading Panera Bread (PNRA): A 'Case Study in Quality'

Panera Bread (PNRA): A 'Case Study in Quality' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 31 May 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Fast-food giant McDonald's (MCD) announced that its first-quarter net income rose to $1.09 billion, or $1 dollar per share from 87 cents per share a year ago. The eatery's quarterly sales increased to $5.61 billion, topping the consensus estimate for sales of $5.53 billion. Global sales increased 4.2%, which was topped by a 12% rise in operating profit in the United States.

These solid results were once again driven by its McCafe beverages, the Breakfast Dollar Menu, and Chicken McNuggets. In Europe, quarterly profit growth increased 23% and the Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa unit logged 27% growth. McDonald's is one of the few companies that has capitalized on the global recession. The company's value menu has helped McDonald's weather the financial storm, as tight-walleted consumers turn to the Dollar Menu to fill their bellies.

Continue reading Value Menu Helps Boost McDonald's Earnings

Value Menu Helps Boost McDonald's Earnings originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Darden (DRI): A 'Bargain' in Casual Dining

Darden (DRI): A 'Bargain' in Casual Dining originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) a 'fast-casual' restaurant chain, was started by Steve Ells in Denver, Colorado, in 1993, and it quickly became a big success, expanding rapidly in the Denver area," says growth stock specialist Timothy Lutts.

The editor of Cabot Stock of the Month explains, "McDonald's began investing in the company in 1997 and became the controlling shareholder in 1999. Using its cash and expertise, McDonald's grew the company from 14 restaurants in 1998 to 480 at the end of 2005. Then in January 2006, McDonald's sold Chipotle to the public."

Continue reading Chipotle Mexican (CMG): Grilled Gains in 'Fast-Casual'

Chipotle Mexican (CMG): Grilled Gains in 'Fast-Casual' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Thanksgiving is a time when friends and family gather at home for a feast, but the restaurant industry is hoping that a good number of folks dine out amid their holiday shopping activities.

Given the tentative economic recovery and double-digit unemployment rate, it's doubtful that they'll get their wish. That's why our bearish pick is Darden Restaurants (DRI) -- the operator of Red Lobster, Olive Garden, The Capital Grille and LongHorn Steakhouse, to name a few.

Continue reading Thanksgiving Trade #3: Darden Restaurants (DRI)

Thanksgiving Trade #3: Darden Restaurants (DRI) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Leading off is one of the very symbols of U.S. capitalism, McDonald's (NYSE: MCD). You can't get much more American than MickeyD's.

The irony is that McDonald's strength recently has been due to its expansion in foreign markets.

There are currently more than 30,000 restaurants in 120 countries. Less than half of the restaurants are located in the United States. McDonald's has been doing especially well lately, thanks to the recession.

Continue reading All-American stock #1: McDonald's (MCD)

All-American stock #1: McDonald's (MCD) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Like Darden, Landry's Restaurants (NYSE: LNY) is a large, diversified player in the casual dining segment.

One significant difference is its participation in the casino space with the Golden Nugget. The acquisition of Golden Nugget has not resulted in much benefit for the company as of yet. In fact, the deal increased LNY's debt level, which now stands near $1 billion.

LNY's stock dropped hard after trading for some time at the $30 level. At the bottom, one could buy shares at $3.60 per share.

Continue reading Restaurant stock #3: Landry's Restaurants (LNY)

Restaurant stock #3: Landry's Restaurants (LNY) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 21 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Can you believe Cheesecake Factory (NASDAQ: CAKE) traded below $5 last November?

I can. Its model of big meals and big cheesecake appeared vulnerable to the deep recession. Would consumers cut out the fat in their dining budget?

Apparently not, as the stock is up more than 3 times since hitting the bottom.

Continue reading An extra restaurant stock: Cheesecake Factory (CAKE)

An extra restaurant stock: Cheesecake Factory (CAKE) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 20 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Earlier this month, Bob Evans (NASDAQ: BOBE) rallied on the heels of a very positive earnings report. The company said its profits improved by 31% on a slight decline in sales and improved cost savings.

More importantly, the company provided guidance that was above Wall Street estimates. Like most retailers, BOBE is experiencing softness in its business, but not a complete collapse as many expected.

Continue reading Restaurant stock #1: Bob Evans (BOBE)

Restaurant stock #1: Bob Evans (BOBE) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 20 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The current recession has touched all sectors. The rules of the game have been changed, and nobody is safe. The paradigm is shifting.

One of the consequences of the current state is a new-found appreciation for savings in the U.S. A consumer who does not spend is bad news for the retail sector, and it is bad news for an economy dependent on consumer spending.

The one glimmer of hope comes from the restaurant space. When it became clear that this recession would be long and deep, consumers clamped wallets shut. Dining out in this environment was an easy luxury to cut.

Continue reading Three restaurant stocks worth buying now

Three restaurant stocks worth buying now originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 20 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is part of a seven article report -- Food for thought: Best bets in food & beverage stocks.

"The fast-casual restaurant category is sizzling as consumers trim their eating budgets; this trend is helping Panera Bread (NASDAQ: PNRA)," says Michael Cintolo in The Cabot Top Ten Report.

"In restaurant parlance, 'fast-casual' eateries are higher priced than fast-food chains such as McDonald's and KFC, but cheaper than casual dining restaurants such as Applebee's and Denny's.

Continue reading Panera Bread (PNRA): Fast-casual favorite

Panera Bread (PNRA): Fast-casual favorite originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 25 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is part of a seven article report -- Food for thought: Best bets in food & beverage stocks.

"Customers are trading down to McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) from higher-end restaurants," says growth stock expert Toby Smith in his ChangeWave Investing.

The fast food operator is also a buy from Bill Martin, who adds, the company continues to serve up solid results. In his BullMarket.com advisory, he reviews the stock's recent quarter.

First, Toby Smith explains, "Given the endless parade of depressing economic news, it's no wonder that most people have lost their appetite for food -- if not altogether, then at least for the finer dining.

"Our proprietary ChangeWave Alliance survey -- ongoing pols of thousands of individuals and investors in various industries and professions -- just 5% of respondents said they would spend more at restaurants, which is unchanged from the all-time low.

Continue reading McDonald's (MCD): Two bets on Big Mac

McDonald's (MCD): Two bets on Big Mac originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

In a difficult economic environment, it is often wise for investors to consider stocks in more defensive and relatively recession-resistant sectors. And one such area is food and beverage stocks.

As the long-standing market maxim goes, consumers can pull back on spending for vacations, remodeling, and new cars, but they still need to eat and drink.

In that light, I turned to nine leading newsletter advisors who serve up their current favorite ideas in the food and beverage sector:

Continue reading Food for thought: Best buys in food & beverage

Food for thought: Best buys in food & beverage originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Two leading advisors -- both known for an expertise in technical analysts -- are bullish on the prospects for Buffalo Wild Wings (NASDAQ: BWLD), which operates and franchises casual food restaurants in 38 states.

Here's an overview of the stock from Joseph Hargett, an analyst with Schaeffer Investment Research, and Richard Schmidt, editor of The Stellar Stock Alert.

Schmidt explains, "You've got to love the action of Buffalo Wild Wings. Last month, the stock jumped up nearly 25% in one day and continued to move up.

Continue reading Technicians bet on Buffalo Wild Wings (BWLD)

Technicians bet on Buffalo Wild Wings (BWLD) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) has bucked the global recession in February as both global and U.S. same *store sales rose," says Tracey Ryniec, who has chosen the fast food giant as its latest featured company in Zacks Ellite Stock of the Day.

The analyst explains, "The company, which operates more than 32,000 McDonald's restaurants in over 100 countries, reported February comparable sales results on Mar 9 that showed global sales rising 1.4% year over year even as Feb 2008 included an extra day due to leap year. Excluding the extra day, sales grew 5.4%.

"U.S. sales climbed 2.8%, or 6.8% if you exclude the extra calendar day in 2008. Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa rose 0.7%, or 4.1% if you exclude the extra calendar day. Only Europe saw a decline, losing 0.2%, but if you exclude the extra day, even Europe increased 4%.

Continue reading Zacks Elite bites into Big Mac

Zacks Elite bites into Big Mac originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Investors were sufficiently impressed with Chipotle Mexican Grill's (NYSE: CMG) fourth-quarter earnings.

The operator of more than 830 quick service Mexican restaurants said it earned $17 million, or 52 cents per share, in the quarter. That is compared to earnings of $17.5 million, or 53 cents per share, in the year-ago period.

Continue reading Chipotle earnings sizzle, but stock may fizzle

Chipotle earnings sizzle, but stock may fizzle originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 14 Feb 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

When shares of Denny's Corp. (NASDAQ: DENN) are trading at half the price of a Grand Slam Breakfast, yet it was one of the companies willing to drop big bucks on a Super Bowl ad, I gotta jump in my car and get down to Denny's to see what's gone wrong.

Problem is, nothing has gone wrong. They are just as crowded as ever, especially during this recession.

They represent a full sit-down meal destination at fast-food prices. And the portions are big.

The company has totally restructured, selling off franchises and keeping all the best locations for its own portfolio -- and the results are pouring in.

On Jan. 15, the company said it expects to meet or exceed its previous guidance for full-year 2008, thanks to the success of the Franchise Growth Initiative (FGI) and other cost-saving actions that protect margins and cash flow.

With the stock trading around $1.50 per share, it's time to consider whether Denny's is some low-hanging fruit ready for the picking.

Bryan Perry is a contributor to OptionsZone.com.

Five winning Super Bowl trades: IV. Buy Denny's Corp. (DENN) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 01 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is part of a special annual report -- Top Stock Picks '09 -- in which TheStockAdvisors.com asked 75 leading newsletter advisors to select their favorite investment for the new year.

"Trading near its all-time high, McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) -- my top idea for 2009 -- is a true relative-strength leader," says Ryan Detrick.

The technical analyst with Schaeffer's Investment Research, explains, "With the shares near their all-time high, MCD is a true relative-strength leader. Technically, the stock continues to find support from its rising 20-month moving average, as this trendline has provided support since mid-2003.

"McDonalds is the world's largest fast-food chain, with more than 31,000 restaurants worldwide. Given the record job losses and deteriorating worldwide economy, MCD should continue to do well as consumers will downgrade to more affordable dining options.

"Or as CEO Jim Skinner put it, 'McDonald's seems well positioned for recession. In bad times, people think twice about where to spend money when going out for food.'

Continue reading Top Stock Picks '09: McDonald's (MCD)

Top Stock Picks '09: McDonald's (MCD) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.