Should Buffalo Wild Wings Consider Refranchising?

Wedbush believes refranchising is a realistic alternative path to value creation for Buffalo Wild Wings BWLD's shareholders if the management's current strategy of comp reacceleration and 20 percent unit-level margins fail to materialize.

The firm's analysis of a theoretical model in which 80 percent of Buffalo Wild Wings is franchised, in line with current industry standards, gives higher valuation than its current stock price.

Related Link: OTR Global Upgrades Buffalo Wild Wings Amid Football Season, Stadia Remodels, Promotions

The firm sees near-term EPS upside, thanks to food costs tailwinds, non-COGS expense management and second half outperformance relative to lowered expectations. The company will benefit in 2017 from many comp initiatives such as the roll out of half price wing Tuesdays, Lunch throughput, online ordering/takeout remodels, loyalty and various technology implementations, the firm noted. Citing expense opportunities, the firm said it believes the company might be targeting 20 percent unit level margins.

Wedbush maintains its Outperform rating and $180 price target on the shares of the company.

At the time of writing, shares of Buffalo Wild Wings were up 1.65 percent at $141.65.

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