There were some bold tidings to spice up Buffalo Wild Wings'
First-quarter net income surged 30.1% to $8.5 million, or $0.47 per share. Total sales jumped 35.3% to $131.6 million. Even more impressive, same-store sales surged 6.4%. The company reiterated its 2009 goals for 25% revenue growth and 20% to 25% earnings growth.
If investors are choking a bit on the spicy tidings, part of that might be fears about the company's aggressive expansion plans. In the press release, CEO Sally Smith said that the company's on track to open more restaurants before the end of the third quarter this year than it did in all of 2008. Meanwhile, the second quarter will include additional expenses related to the "accelerated opening schedule."
With many retailers and restaurants cutting back on growth (or closing stores altogether, such as Starbucks
For the last several quarters, I've wondered about Buffalo Wild Wings' plan to so aggressively open stores, but I've also had to ponder the opposing thought that, when all is said and done, it might turn out that the company was "crazy like a fox." It's a daring move, but it may turn out to be darn smart to expand and grab market share from rivals when most companies are pulling back (or suffering -- look at the difficulties that have charred restaurant companies like Ruth's Hospitality
Still, Buffalo Wild Wings' stock, which has surged by about 70% over the last three months, looks awfully pricey, even though the company continues to show impressive growth. The stock's trading at about 28 times trailing earnings, and while I can see the argument for paying a premium price for such stellar growth, at the same time, other solid performers are trading at far cheaper multiples. Take, for example, McDonald's
I thought Chipotle Mexican Grill
Grab some related Foolishness:
- Last quarter, Buffalo Wild Wings was a wild card.
- In October, it seemed a little like "Buffalo Mild Wings."
- Still, B-Dubs is bucking the downtrend.