Red Robin Gourmet Burgers (RRGB) is vulnerable to economic headwinds, and we believe that the stock will continue to underperform the restaurant industry. Impeding the growth is its sagging same-store sales and declining traffic counts. The company’s third-quarter 2009 same-store sales fell 14.9%. The chain expects guest counts to remain negative, and expects restaurant-level operating margins to [...]

(RRGB) Red Robin Gourmet Burgers – Bear of the Day

McDonald’s Corporation’s (MCD) comparable sales for the month of October 2009 showed a sluggish growth of 3.3% as against the rise of 8.2% in the same month last year, exposing its sensitivity to rising unemployment, economic downturn, and the discount war amongst fast-food chains to lure consumers. The company faces stiff competition from Burger King Holdings [...]

(MCD) McDonald’s Corporation Outdoing Rivals

McDonald’s Corporation’s (MCD) comparable sales for the month of October 2009 showed a sluggish growth of 3.3% as against the rise of 8.2% in the same month last year, exposing its sensitivity to rising unemployment, economic downturn, and the discount war amongst fast-food chains to lure consumers.
 
The company faces stiff competition from Burger King Holdings Inc. (BKC), Wendy’s/Arby’s Group, Inc. (WEN) and Yum! Brands Inc. (YUM). However, these quick-service operators are faring better than casual dining restaurant chains, such as Cosi Inc. (COSI) and Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc. (RRGB), as cash-strapped consumers are trading towards fast-food centers due to relative cheap dining options. 

System-wide sales at McDonald’s worldwide restaurants climbed 10.3% for the month of October. However, in constant currencies, the rate of increase in system-wide sales dipped to 5.2%.
 In the United States , comparable sales remained flat falling 0.1% in October (versus 5.3% increase last year for the comparable month). New menu products, including Angus Third Pounders and McCafe premium coffee line-up continued to support the month's results. 

The fast-food giant had earlier indicated that U.S. sales for the month of October would be weak. Still the month’s result fared better than the overall quick-service restaurant industry. 

In Europe, comparable sales increased 6.4% in October (versus 9.8% increase last year for the comparable month) fueled by strong performance in the U.K. , Germany and France . A variety of mid-tier items and premium menu options contributed to sales. 
Comparable sales in Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA) rose 4.7% in October (versus 11.5% increase last year for the comparable month) driven by Australia and Japan, partly offset by China.
Read the full analyst report on "MCD"
Read the full analyst report on "BKC"
Read the full analyst report on "WEN"
Read the full analyst report on "YUM"
Read the full analyst report on "COSI"
Read the full analyst report on "RRGB"
Zacks Investment Research

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – November 10, 2009 – Zacks Equity Research highlights NVIDIA Corp. (NVDA) as the Bull of the Day and Red Robin Gourmet Burgers (RRGB) the Bear of the Day. In addition, Zacks Equity Research provides analysis on Tesoro Corporation (TSO), Valero Energy Corp. (VLO) and Sunoco Inc. (SUN).

Full analysis of all these stocks is available at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5506

Here is a synopsis of all five stocks:

Bull of the Day:

NVIDIA Corp. (NVDA) posted revenue and earnings well above expectations. NVIDIA is poised for growth through improved cost management, rising demand for GPU and graphics chips, increased orders mainly from China and product launches.

The company is introducing new products at regular intervals and getting good feedback. We believe NVIDIA is well positioned in the longer term given its leadership in the Tegra line-up, the ramp-up of its 40nm process technology and share gains in notebooks and desktops.

We are looking for meaningful revenue growth and sustainable margin expansion. We have changed our rating to Outperform with a six-month price target of $17.00.

Bear of the Day:

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers (RRGB) is vulnerable to economic headwinds, and we believe that the stock will continue to underperform the restaurant industry. Impeding the growth is its sagging same-store sales and declining traffic counts.

The company's third-quarter 2009 same-store sales fell 14.9%. The chain expects guest counts to remain negative, and expects restaurant-level operating margins to decline by 150 to 160 basis points in fiscal year 2009.

In addition, more than 50% of total restaurants are located in areas, which have been hit hard by the housing downturn and economic slowdown. This may dampen the company's growth potential.

Latest Posts on the Zacks Analyst Blog:

Tesoro Beats, Cuts Dividend in Half

Tesoro Corporation’s (TSO) third-quarter 2009 results came in significantly better than expected, helped by better demand balance in the company’s key West Coast region. Earnings per share came in at 24 cents, against Zacks Consensus Estimate of a penny loss.

Tesoro’s outperformance is in contrast to the steep losses posted by the other major refiners that have already reported -- Valero Energy Corp. (VLO) and Sunoco Inc. (SUN).

However, compared to the year-ago period, Tesoro’s earnings per share plunged 87.1%, while sales declined 45.4% to $4.7 billion -- severely hampered by depressed refining margins and lower throughput on the back of weak fuel demand and high inventories.

Tesoro announced a 50% reduction in its quarterly dividend to 5 cents per share (20 cents per share annualized). The new dividend is payable on December 15, to shareholders of record on December 1, 2009.

Get the full analysis of all these stocks by going to http://at.zacks.com/?id=5507.

About the Bull and Bear of the Day

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Zacks Investment Research

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers (RRGB) is vulnerable to economic headwinds, and we believe that the stock will continue to underperform the restaurant industry. Impeding the growth is its sagging same-store sales and declining traffic counts.

The company's third-quarter 2009 same-store sales fell 14.9%. The chain expects guest counts to remain negative, and expects restaurant-level operating margins to decline by 150 to 160 basis points in fiscal year 2009.

In addition, more than 50% of total restaurants are located in areas, which have been hit hard by the housing downturn and economic slowdown. This may dampen the company's growth potential.Zacks Investment Research

Tom Dorsey and Tammy DeRosier - What's Under The Tree At DWA?

A promising day was all for naught as stocks sold off around noon, setting the stage for a showdown at 10,700 on the Dow and 2,200 on the Nasda. Stevie Wallstreet gives you his 2 cents worth and shares why he's still troubled by his all-important indicator for determining underlying weakness in the market. He also gives you four stocks to watch tomorrow: (RRGB), (CRYP), (IRM), and (ESRX).