David E. Tarantino

California-based fast food company, Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK) has become an exclusive West Coast attraction, but may soon face significant alterations considering a new report from Reuters. What Happened Jack in the Box is exploring the possibility of selling the company, according to...

Buffalo Wild Wings (NASDAQ: BWLD) CEO Sally Smith has announced her retirement following the company’s unsuccessful proxy battle with hostile activist investor Marcato Capital, which saw the firm take three board seats. Analyst's Take Of Management Shakeup With Smith set to retire by the end...

Panera Bread Co (NASDAQ: PNRA) may be exploring strategic alternatives, including a possible sale, after receiving takeover interest. The probability of an acquisition does not seem high, given that the stock is trading at multiples that "make the business less attractive to most non-strategic...

Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: DRI) reported its 2017's fiscal third-quarter results ahead of expectations, while raising its 2017 EPS guidance and announcing that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen. Baird’s David E. Tarantino maintains a Neutral...

“Following signs of widespread December softness for retailers/restaurants, the short-term setup for Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ: SBUX) heading into the FQ1 report does not look particularly compelling,” Baird’s David E. Tarantino said in a note, while maintaining an Outperform...

“We anticipate satisfactory Q4 results against a difficult comparison, and we believe stronger momentum can emerge once McDonald's Corporation (NYSE: MCD) gets past another challenging hurdle in Q1-17,” Baird’s David E. Tarantino said in a note, while maintaining an Outperform...

On Thursday, Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK) announced an increase in the size of its credit facility, while also raising its maximum leverage ratio and share buyback authorization. Baird’s David E. Tarantino maintains an Outperform rating on the company, with a price target of $120....

Activist investor Pershing Square (headed by Bill Ackman) has taken a stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG). While this move may trigger positive investor sentiment in the near term, it does not create any “meaningful incremental shareholder value” in the absence of a sales...

Baird’s David E. Tarantino believes the recent slowdown in the comps trajectory for Zoe's Kitchen Inc (NYSE: ZOES) is a transitory issue, driven by external causes, rather than being a structural problem related to internal brand fundamentals. Tarantino maintained an Outperform rating...

El Pollo LoCo Holdings Inc (NASDAQ: LOCO) reported robust Q2 results, with the comps and EPS beating the estimates. Baird’s David E. Tarantino maintains a Neutral rating on the company, with a price target of $15. Making Progress “LOCO appears to be making promising progress on...

“With easier comparisons ahead and with key value-creating financial strategies on track,” Baird’s David E. Tarantino believes there is opportunity for the valuation metrics of Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK) to expand, leading the risk/reward on the stock being attractive at...

McDonald's Corporation (NYSE: MCD) has significant exposure to Europe, with the region contributing about 40 percent of total operating income, with the UK alone represents nearly 10 percent, Baird’s David E. Tarantino said in a report. The analyst added that McDonald's also faces...