Texas Roadhouse's Stock Tumbles, But Analyst Still Suggests Waiting For Better Levels To Buy

Shares of Texas Roadhouse Inc. tumbled 9.7% in morning trade Wednesday to a 3 1/2-month low in the wake of disappointing fourth-quarter results, with Canaccord Genuity saying investors should still wait before investing in what it believes offers consumers the "best value" in casual dining. The restaurant chain reported late Tuesday earnings, revenue and same-store sales that missed expectations, and provided a disappointing same-store sales outlook for the current quarter. Analyst Lynne Collier at Canaccord reiterated her hold rating and $42 stock price target, which is nearly 3% below current prices. "While we continue to believe that [Texas Roadhouse] offers consumers the 'best value' in casual dining and believe that...some of the [same-store sales] pressure is transitory, we would look for a better entry point before becoming constructive on shares," Collier wrote in a note to clients. The stock, which is now 14% below the Dec. 9, 2016 record close of $50.20, has gained 17% over the past 12 months, while the S&P 500 has climbed 21%.