Citi cuts Bloomin’ Brands target to $8.25, keeps neutral stance

Published 07/05/2025, 21:54
Citi cuts Bloomin’ Brands target to $8.25, keeps neutral stance

On Wednesday, Citi analysts adjusted their outlook on Bloomin’ Brands stock (NASDAQ:BLMN), reducing the price target from $9.25 to $8.25 while maintaining a Neutral rating. The revision comes as the stock has declined nearly 65% over the past year, with shares currently trading at $7.25. According to InvestingPro data, the company maintains a significant 7.57% dividend yield despite its challenges.

The firm noted that Bloomin’ Brands faces a challenging path ahead as it attempts a multi-year turnaround. Analysts pointed to a disappointing performance on Valentine’s Day as an indicator of potential struggles during the upcoming season, which includes Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and graduation celebrations. This was seen as a sign that consumers may lack trust in the brand, particularly for significant occasions.

Moreover, Citi highlighted the potential difficulty Bloomin’ Brands may encounter in rebuilding brand trust, especially as consumers become more cautious with their spending. The company is in the midst of implementing operational changes, including menu updates, labor scheduling adjustments, and the introduction of new customer feedback mechanisms such as Ziosk tablets at tables. These initiatives come as the company faces declining revenues (-5.22% year-over-year) and weak gross profit margins of 15.15%.

Despite these efforts, analysts expressed skepticism about the company’s ability to effectively navigate its strategic position. They referred to the challenge of balancing long-term value with competitive pricing, especially in the steak category, which remains uncertain.

The report concluded with a lack of short-term catalysts that might encourage investors to support the turnaround narrative. InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock is currently undervalued, with multiple additional insights available through the platform’s comprehensive Pro Research Report. As such, the lowered price target reflects Citi’s restrained expectations for Bloomin’ Brands’ stock performance in the near future.

In other recent news, Bloomin’ Brands reported its first-quarter earnings for 2025, surpassing both earnings per share (EPS) and revenue forecasts. The company’s adjusted EPS was $0.59, exceeding the anticipated $0.57, while revenue reached $1.05 billion, surpassing the expected $1.03 billion. Despite facing a 1.8% decline in total revenues compared to the previous year, Bloomin’ Brands managed to beat earnings expectations, showcasing resilience amidst challenges. The company is currently undergoing a menu simplification across its brands as part of strategic efforts to improve efficiency and profitability.

Additionally, Bloomin’ Brands is focusing on reducing debt leverage following its Brazil transaction. Analysts have noted the company’s ongoing challenges, such as declining U.S. traffic and macroeconomic pressures, which have impacted consumer spending. The company also highlighted potential tariff impacts on restaurant margins as a risk factor. Looking ahead, Bloomin’ Brands expects its full-year adjusted diluted EPS to range between $1.20 and $1.40, with a focus on addressing competitive pricing challenges. The firm is also working with a third-party consulting firm to assist with strategic planning and cost-saving initiatives.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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