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

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Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) recently reported better-than-expected first quarter 2010 results. Despite a low-single digit fall in the top-line, the company posted a double-digit growth in the bottom-line. Darden’s quarterly earnings of 67 cents a share surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 65 cents, and climbed 15.5% from 58 cents reported in the prior-year quarter. Lower food and beverage costs (down 8.5% year-on-year) and fall in restaurant expenses (down 7.2%), partially offset by rise in labor costs (up 1.7%) and higher depreciation and amortization expenses (up 6.0%) drove the earnings. Management expects earnings per share (EPS) for the fiscal year 2010 in the range of $2.59 to $2.85. However, Darden added that given the macro-economic conditions, its earnings could be at the lower end of its forecast. Revenue for the quarter slipped 2.3% to $1,734 million, as blended comparable restaurant sales fell 5.3%. However, ...

Benihana Inc. (BNHNA), the operator of Benihana Teppanyaki, Haru and RA Sushi restaurant concepts, recently reported its fiscal first quarter results with a low single-digit rise in the top line but a sharp double-digit fall in the bottom line. Results were adversely affected by a softer sales trend and higher restaurant level costs amid a turbulent economy.   Total revenues for the quarter under review ascended 1.6% year over year to $96 million. Restaurant sales rose by 1.6% to $95.5 million, whereas franchise fees and royalties fell 5.2% to $507,000. By concepts, restaurant sales slipped 1.6% to $63.2 million at Benihana Teppanyaki restaurants and 14.8% to $10.1 million at Haru restaurants, but jumped 24.2% to $22.1 million at RA Sushi restaurants.   Benihana’s quarterly earnings of 5 cents a share was well below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 11 cents, and fell sharply by 58.3% from 12 cents ...

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – August 13, 2009 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Bob Evans Farms (BOBE), Cosi Inc. (COSI), California Pizza Kitchen (CPKI), Red Robin Gourmet Burgers (RRGB) and Famous Dave’s of America (DAVE).

Get the most recent insight from Zacks Equity Research with the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5513

Here are highlights from Wednesday’s Analyst Blog:

Bob Evans Cooks Up Profits

Total revenue for Bob Evans Farms’ (BOBE) quarter under review dropped 2.5% to $429.5 million, driven by same-store sales declines at Bob Evans Restaurants (down 3.0%) and Mimi's Café (down 6.4%). For fiscal year 2010,

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Bites of Opportunity Remain in Overcooked Sector

OVERVIEW

Restaurant stocks have room on the downside

Restaurant stock prices have doubled since their November lows, retested in March. The Zacks Restaurant Index has surged 211% from its 52-week lows, far outpacing both the Russell 2000 (up 63%) and the S&P 500 index (up 48%). The major indexes remain roughly 25% off their 52-week highs.

Valuation multiples have expanded from trough levels and the group now trades at roughly 15 times 2010 earnings. While there are pockets of opportunity in the sector, we think the recovery will be slower than anticipated by the market, weighed down by a consumer sobered by shriveling home values and retirement portfolios and record levels of debt.

Casual dining cooks up positive earnings surprises, but offers no sustenance

Driving the restaurant stock rally, was a slew of better-than-expected earnings reports Ð and upward earnings estimate revisions -- including those by Darden Restaurants (

...

Bites of Opportunity Remain in Overcooked Sector

OVERVIEW

Restaurant stocks have room on the downside

Restaurant stock prices have doubled since their November lows, retested in March. The Zacks Restaurant Index has surged 211% from its 52-week lows, far outpacing both the Russell 2000 (up 63%) and the S&P 500 index (up 48%). The major indexes remain roughly 25% off their 52-week highs.

Valuation multiples have expanded from trough levels and the group now trades at roughly 15 times 2010 earnings. While there are pockets of opportunity in the sector, we think the recovery will be slower than anticipated by the market, weighed down by a consumer sobered by shriveling home values and retirement portfolios and record levels of debt.

Casual dining cooks up positive earnings surprises, but offers no sustenance

Driving the restaurant stock rally, was a slew of better-than-expected earnings reports Ð and upward earnings estimate revisions -- including those by Darden Restaurants (

...

Bites of Opportunity Remain in Overcooked Sector OVERVIEW Restaurant stocks have room on the downside Restaurant stock prices have doubled since their November lows, which were retested in March. The Zacks Restaurant Index has surged 211% from its 52-week lows, far outpacing both the Russell 2000 (up 63%) and the S&P 500 index (up 48%). The major indexes remain roughly 25% off their 52-week highs. Valuation multiples have expanded from trough levels and the group now trades at roughly 15 times 2010 earnings. While there are pockets of opportunity in the sector, we think the recovery will be slower than anticipated by the market, weighed down by a consumer sobered by shriveling home values and retirement portfolios and record levels of debt. Casual dining cooks up positive earnings surprises, but offers no sustenance Driving the restaurant stock rally, was a slew of better-than-expected ...

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – July 31, 2009 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Famous Dave’s (DAVE), BJ’s Restaurants (BJRI), Buffalo Wild Wings (BWLD), California Pizza Kitchen (CPKI) and Red Robin Gourmet Burgers (RRGB).

Get the most recent insight from Zacks Equity Research with the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5513

Here are highlights from Thursday’s Analyst Blog:

Famous Dave’s Efficient with Costs

Famous Dave’s (DAVE) ended the quarter with 176 restaurants – 46 company-owned and 130 franchise-operated. The company recently updated its guidance on franchise restaurant openings for fiscal 2009, joining the group of BJ’s Restaurants (BJRI)

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Famous Dave’s of America (DAVE) recently reported second quarter 2009 results with declining top-line but double-digit growth in the bottom-line driven by cost efficiencies. Food and beverage costs fell 7.6%, labor costs declined 3.7%, operating expenses plunged 10.8% and G&A expenses dropped 9.2%. Consequently, quarterly EPS soared 13% year over year to $0.26, surpassing Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.20. With consumer spending pressures squeezing business for many casual dining operators, the company suffered declines in dine-in, to-go and catering businesses. As a result, total revenue declined 6.3% to $36.3 million. Company-owned restaurant sales fell 6% to $31.5 million, whereas franchise royalty revenue plunged 4.9% to $4.4 million. Comparable sales for company-owned restaurants fell 9.4% during the reported quarter compared to an increase of 1.7% in the prior year quarter. Comparable sales for franchise-operated restaurants declined 10.9% compared to a decline of 1.4% in the prior-year quarter....

Buffalo Wild Wings (BWLD), best known for its chicken wings and sports bar, sustained its growth momentum in the second quarter of 2009, despite economic turmoil and rising unemployment, and affirmed its growth target of 15% in units, 25% in revenue, and 20% to 25% in net earnings, showing its resilience in a turbulent environment.     The company’s second quarter 2009 profit soared 24.2% year over year to $7.0 million. As a result, EPS jumped 25.8% to $0.39, surpassing street estimate by $0.05. Menu price increases, new restaurant openings and operational focus on product preparation drove the growth in EPS. The restaurant chain was able to increase its menu pricing when other restaurant operators were offering discounts to woo consumers during the recession. Total revenue climbed 32.4% to $129.6 million. Sales at company-operated restaurant surged 34.6% to $117.8 million driven by comparable sales increase of ...