BJ’s restaurants director buys $14,790 in company stock

In a recent transaction, Janet Sherlock, a director at BJ’s Restaurants Inc. (NASDAQ:), acquired additional shares in the company. The transaction, dated September 9, 2024, involved the purchase of 500 shares of common stock at a price of $29.58 per share, amounting to a total investment of $14,790.

This move by Sherlock adds to her holdings in the casual dining restaurant chain, which is known for its deep-dish pizza, handcrafted beer, and a wide variety of menu items. Following the transaction, Sherlock’s total ownership in BJ’s Restaurants Inc. includes 18,454 shares. It’s worth noting that this figure includes 3,453 unvested Restricted Stock Units, as indicated by the footnotes in the SEC filing.

Investors often pay close attention to insider transactions as they can provide insights into the executives’ confidence in the company’s future performance. Sherlock’s recent purchase might be interpreted as a positive signal, as directors are typically well-informed about the company’s strategic plans and financial health.

BJ’s Restaurants Inc., headquartered in Huntington Beach, California, operates a chain of restaurants across the United States. The company has a history dating back to its former name, Chicago Pizza & Brewery Inc., and has since established a significant presence in the casual dining sector.

The stock purchase by a key insider such as Sherlock is a noteworthy event for current and potential shareholders, as it reflects a commitment to the company’s growth and success. Investors will likely keep an eye on future transactions and company performance to gauge the potential impact on their investment decisions.

In other recent news, BJ’s Restaurants has seen significant leadership changes, with Lyle D. Tick appointed as President and Chief Concept Officer, and C. Bradford Richmond taking on the role of Interim Chief Executive Officer. These developments are part of recent changes within the company.

The restaurant chain has also reported Q2 fiscal year 2024 results, showing total sales of $349.9 million and a slight 0.6% decrease in same-store sales. However, revenue was reported at $350 million, surpassing consensus estimates by $1 million. Earnings per share were $0.53, beating consensus predictions of $0.51.

In addition, BJ’s Restaurants’ adjusted EBITDA exceeded expectations, totaling $36 million against a consensus of $33 million. Following these results, a Benchmark analyst downgraded the company’s stock from Buy to Hold, citing more conservative estimates for fiscal years 2024 and 2025.

The company also announced plans to open two new restaurants and has repurchased approximately 255,000 shares of common stock for $8.8 million. Looking ahead, BJ’s Restaurants projects Q3 comparable sales to be in the 1% to 2% range and expects margin expansion in Q4, despite anticipated increases in marketing and food costs.

InvestingPro Insights

As investors evaluate the significance of Janet Sherlock’s recent stock purchase in BJ’s Restaurants Inc. (NASDAQ:BJRI), it’s important to consider the company’s financial metrics and market performance. According to InvestingPro data, BJ’s Restaurants has a market capitalization of $671.48 million, with a P/E ratio of 23.22. This P/E ratio is noteworthy as it signals that the stock is trading at a low price relative to near-term earnings growth, a potential indicator of value that savvy investors might explore.

On the earnings front, analysts are optimistic, predicting BJ’s Restaurants will be profitable this year. This is supported by the company having been profitable over the last twelve months, with a basic EPS (Continuing Operations) of $1.25. However, it’s important to note that the company’s gross profit margin stands at 14.21%, reflecting some challenges in maintaining higher profitability levels. This aligns with one of the InvestingPro Tips, which points out that BJ’s Restaurants suffers from weak gross profit margins.

Investors should also be aware of the company’s volatility, as BJ’s Restaurants has experienced significant stock price movements, which may impact short-term investment strategies. In the past six months, the stock has seen a price total return of -21.29%, highlighting the level of risk associated with this investment. For those considering a longer-term perspective, the company’s stock is currently trading at 74.86% of its 52-week high, with an InvestingPro fair value estimation of $32.94, suggesting some potential upside from its previous close of $29.52.

For further insights and additional InvestingPro Tips on BJ’s Restaurants Inc., investors can visit https://www.investing.com/pro/BJRI, where 7 more tips are available to help make informed decisions.

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