BJ's Restaurants Q4 Earnings Beat Expectations
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 25 2026
0mins
Source: seekingalpha
- Earnings Performance: BJ's Restaurants reported a Q4 non-GAAP EPS of $0.66, beating expectations by $0.04, indicating a sustained improvement in profitability that boosts investor confidence.
- Stable Revenue Growth: The company achieved Q4 revenue of $355.4 million, reflecting a 3.2% year-over-year increase and surpassing market expectations by $1.6 million, demonstrating strong sales momentum in a competitive dining market.
- Optimistic Future Outlook: Management anticipates comparable restaurant sales growth of 1% to 3% for fiscal 2026, with restaurant-level operating profit projected between $221 million and $233 million, showcasing confidence in future growth.
- Capital Expenditure Plans: BJ's plans to invest $85 million to $95 million in capital expenditures for fiscal 2026 and may repurchase up to $50 million in shares depending on market conditions, aiming to enhance shareholder returns and support long-term development.
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Analyst Views on BJRI
Wall Street analysts forecast BJRI stock price to fall
8 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
4 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 52.400
Low
38.00
Averages
42.97
High
50.00
Current: 52.400
Low
38.00
Averages
42.97
High
50.00
About BJRI
BJ's Restaurants, Inc. is a full-service restaurant brand. The Company’s restaurants feature a menu with approximately 100 menu items designed to offer various items, including slow roasted entrees, such as prime rib, EnLIGHTened Entrees, such as its Cherry Chipotle Glazed Salmon, its original signature deep-dish pizza, and the Pizookie dessert. It also offers its craft beers, which are produced at four in-house brewing facilities, two standalone brewpubs and by independent third-party brewers using its proprietary recipes. It is a national restaurant chain, which owns and operates approximately 218 restaurants located in 31 states, including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Investment Comparison Between BJ's and Shake Shack
- BJ's Performance: BJ's Restaurants reported a revenue of $1.4 billion in FY 2025, reflecting a modest growth of 3.1%, with net income rising to $48.8 million from $16.7 million in 2024, indicating its stability and appeal in the family-friendly dining sector.
- Shake Shack Growth Momentum: Shake Shack achieved $1.4 billion in revenue for FY 2025, marking a robust growth rate of 15.4%, with a net income of $45.7 million and a net margin of 3.2%, showcasing its strong growth and brand presence in the fast-casual market.
- Risks and Competition: BJ's faces intense competition from local operators and large chains, along with complex regulations regarding alcohol sales and commodity price volatility; meanwhile, Shake Shack's reliance on a single distributor poses significant supply chain risks and competition against giants like McDonald's.
- Valuation Comparison: BJ's Restaurants trades at a forward P/E of 21.7x and a P/S ratio of 0.7x, significantly lower than Shake Shack's 46.7x and 1.5x, highlighting BJ's more attractive investment value in the current market landscape.
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Investment Comparison: BJ's vs. Shake Shack
- Financial Performance Comparison: BJ's Restaurants reported $1.4 billion in revenue for FY 2025, reflecting a modest 3.1% growth with a net income of $48.8 million, indicating stable profitability; in contrast, Shake Shack achieved the same revenue level but with a robust 15.4% growth rate and a net income of $45.7 million, highlighting its aggressive growth strategy despite lower net margins.
- Expansion Plans and Risks: Shake Shack aims to open over 60 new locations in 2026, forecasting at least a 22% sales increase, yet faces risks from high opening costs and rising beef prices that could pressure margins; conversely, BJ's Restaurants adopts a more conservative expansion approach, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency at existing locations.
- Market Competition Landscape: BJ's Restaurants contends with fierce competition from large chains like Darden Restaurants while also facing cost pressures from commodity price fluctuations; Shake Shack relies heavily on a single distributor for 95% of its domestic food supply, making it vulnerable to supply chain disruptions that could severely impact operations.
- Valuation and Investment Recommendation: Despite Shake Shack's appealing growth potential, BJ's Restaurants offers a more attractive valuation based on forward P/E and P/S ratios, and its solid financials position it as a better investment choice for 2026, warranting careful consideration from investors.
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Nvidia Earnings Week Approaches, Market Anticipates Key Insights
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- Home Depot Performance Outlook: Home Depot is expected to see only 0.8% same-store sales growth in Q1, as rising mortgage rates and a challenging economic backdrop lead analysts to predict its full-year guidance will remain flat to 2%, reflecting low market expectations for its performance.
- TJX Companies Performance: TJX anticipates a 4.1% same-store sales growth in Q1, benefiting from consumer demand for quality merchandise at affordable prices, although rising freight costs may impact margins; nonetheless, the company is viewed as a solid long-term investment.
- Google Developer Conference: Google will host its annual developer conference on Tuesday and Wednesday, with analysts warning that a lack of a
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BJ's Restaurants Reports Q1 2026 Earnings with Continued Growth
- Sustained Sales Growth: BJ's Restaurants reported a 2.4% increase in same-store sales for Q1 2026, primarily driven by a 2.2% rise in traffic, with restaurant-level operating margins at 16%, indicating the company's success in attracting customers consistently.
- Cost Control Strategy: Despite facing commodity inflation pressures, CFO Wilson anticipates Q2 to be the peak for inflation, but the company plans mid-year menu updates and pricing actions to fully offset inflation impacts in the second half, ensuring stable profitability.
- Menu Innovation Progress: BJ's is rolling out renovations for its chicken sandwich and Wagyu burger, expected to launch fully in Q3, with positive test results indicating a strategy aimed at enhancing average check levels among customers.
- Capital Expenditure and Debt Management: The company invested $15.8 million in capital expenditures in Q1, repurchased approximately 151,000 shares, and repaid $23 million in debt, demonstrating a robust approach to financial management.
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BJ's Unveils New Wagyu Burger for Celebration Season
- New Burger Launch: BJ's Restaurants announces the debut of its new Wagyu Burger priced at $19.99, crafted from a proprietary blend of Wagyu, brisket, and short rib, aimed at enhancing the dining experience for guests during the celebration season.
- Flavor and Quality: The new burger features caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, lettuce, and black garlic aioli, served with crispy fries, showcasing BJ's commitment to premium ingredients and chef-driven menu development, further solidifying its position in the fast-casual dining sector.
- Market Positioning: The introduction of the Wagyu Burger not only enriches BJ's burger lineup but also complements its other popular offerings like deep-dish pizza and Pizookie® dessert, catering to diverse customer preferences and enhancing brand appeal.
- Industry Leadership: By launching this premium burger during National Burger Month, BJ's demonstrates its innovative capabilities and market leadership in the fast-casual dining industry, aiming to attract customers by providing richer flavors and craftsmanship, thereby elevating its brand image.
See More
BJ's Launches Biscoff®Pizookie® Dessert
- New Product Launch: BJ's Restaurants introduces the Biscoff®Pizookie®, a dessert that combines the globally popular Biscoff® cookie with BJ's iconic Pizookie®, capturing consumer attention through innovative pairing.
- Market Trend: BJ's CMO Heidi Rogers noted that Biscoff® has emerged as a cultural favorite, and by leveraging social listening, BJ's aims to enhance dessert experiences while maintaining brand relevance in the market.
- Celebration Opportunities: The Biscoff®Pizookie® is designed for various celebratory occasions, such as graduations and Mother's Day, providing a unique dessert experience that enhances customer loyalty and market share for the brand.
- Brand Collaboration: Maxime Krug, Marketing & Category Director at Biscoff®, emphasized that the unique flavor of Biscoff® continues to grow in the U.S. market, and BJ's new offering will further meet consumer demands and elevate brand image.
See More
Investment Comparison Between BJ's and Shake Shack
- BJ's Performance: BJ's Restaurants reported a revenue of $1.4 billion in FY 2025, reflecting a modest growth of 3.1%, with net income rising to $48.8 million from $16.7 million in 2024, indicating its stability and appeal in the family-friendly dining sector.
- Shake Shack Growth Momentum: Shake Shack achieved $1.4 billion in revenue for FY 2025, marking a robust growth rate of 15.4%, with a net income of $45.7 million and a net margin of 3.2%, showcasing its strong growth and brand presence in the fast-casual market.
- Risks and Competition: BJ's faces intense competition from local operators and large chains, along with complex regulations regarding alcohol sales and commodity price volatility; meanwhile, Shake Shack's reliance on a single distributor poses significant supply chain risks and competition against giants like McDonald's.
- Valuation Comparison: BJ's Restaurants trades at a forward P/E of 21.7x and a P/S ratio of 0.7x, significantly lower than Shake Shack's 46.7x and 1.5x, highlighting BJ's more attractive investment value in the current market landscape.
See More
Investment Comparison: BJ's vs. Shake Shack
- Financial Performance Comparison: BJ's Restaurants reported $1.4 billion in revenue for FY 2025, reflecting a modest 3.1% growth with a net income of $48.8 million, indicating stable profitability; in contrast, Shake Shack achieved the same revenue level but with a robust 15.4% growth rate and a net income of $45.7 million, highlighting its aggressive growth strategy despite lower net margins.
- Expansion Plans and Risks: Shake Shack aims to open over 60 new locations in 2026, forecasting at least a 22% sales increase, yet faces risks from high opening costs and rising beef prices that could pressure margins; conversely, BJ's Restaurants adopts a more conservative expansion approach, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency at existing locations.
- Market Competition Landscape: BJ's Restaurants contends with fierce competition from large chains like Darden Restaurants while also facing cost pressures from commodity price fluctuations; Shake Shack relies heavily on a single distributor for 95% of its domestic food supply, making it vulnerable to supply chain disruptions that could severely impact operations.
- Valuation and Investment Recommendation: Despite Shake Shack's appealing growth potential, BJ's Restaurants offers a more attractive valuation based on forward P/E and P/S ratios, and its solid financials position it as a better investment choice for 2026, warranting careful consideration from investors.
See More
Nvidia Earnings Week Approaches, Market Anticipates Key Insights
- Nvidia Earnings Expectations: Nvidia is set to report its Q1 earnings on Wednesday, with revenue anticipated at $78.67 billion and EPS of $1.76, as analysts look for results that exceed expectations to boost stock prices and alleviate concerns about a slowing investment cycle.
- Home Depot Performance Outlook: Home Depot is expected to see only 0.8% same-store sales growth in Q1, as rising mortgage rates and a challenging economic backdrop lead analysts to predict its full-year guidance will remain flat to 2%, reflecting low market expectations for its performance.
- TJX Companies Performance: TJX anticipates a 4.1% same-store sales growth in Q1, benefiting from consumer demand for quality merchandise at affordable prices, although rising freight costs may impact margins; nonetheless, the company is viewed as a solid long-term investment.
- Google Developer Conference: Google will host its annual developer conference on Tuesday and Wednesday, with analysts warning that a lack of a
See More
BJ's Restaurants Reports Q1 2026 Earnings with Continued Growth
- Sustained Sales Growth: BJ's Restaurants reported a 2.4% increase in same-store sales for Q1 2026, primarily driven by a 2.2% rise in traffic, with restaurant-level operating margins at 16%, indicating the company's success in attracting customers consistently.
- Cost Control Strategy: Despite facing commodity inflation pressures, CFO Wilson anticipates Q2 to be the peak for inflation, but the company plans mid-year menu updates and pricing actions to fully offset inflation impacts in the second half, ensuring stable profitability.
- Menu Innovation Progress: BJ's is rolling out renovations for its chicken sandwich and Wagyu burger, expected to launch fully in Q3, with positive test results indicating a strategy aimed at enhancing average check levels among customers.
- Capital Expenditure and Debt Management: The company invested $15.8 million in capital expenditures in Q1, repurchased approximately 151,000 shares, and repaid $23 million in debt, demonstrating a robust approach to financial management.
See More
BJ's Unveils New Wagyu Burger for Celebration Season
- New Burger Launch: BJ's Restaurants announces the debut of its new Wagyu Burger priced at $19.99, crafted from a proprietary blend of Wagyu, brisket, and short rib, aimed at enhancing the dining experience for guests during the celebration season.
- Flavor and Quality: The new burger features caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, lettuce, and black garlic aioli, served with crispy fries, showcasing BJ's commitment to premium ingredients and chef-driven menu development, further solidifying its position in the fast-casual dining sector.
- Market Positioning: The introduction of the Wagyu Burger not only enriches BJ's burger lineup but also complements its other popular offerings like deep-dish pizza and Pizookie® dessert, catering to diverse customer preferences and enhancing brand appeal.
- Industry Leadership: By launching this premium burger during National Burger Month, BJ's demonstrates its innovative capabilities and market leadership in the fast-casual dining industry, aiming to attract customers by providing richer flavors and craftsmanship, thereby elevating its brand image.
See More
BJ's Launches Biscoff®Pizookie® Dessert
- New Product Launch: BJ's Restaurants introduces the Biscoff®Pizookie®, a dessert that combines the globally popular Biscoff® cookie with BJ's iconic Pizookie®, capturing consumer attention through innovative pairing.
- Market Trend: BJ's CMO Heidi Rogers noted that Biscoff® has emerged as a cultural favorite, and by leveraging social listening, BJ's aims to enhance dessert experiences while maintaining brand relevance in the market.
- Celebration Opportunities: The Biscoff®Pizookie® is designed for various celebratory occasions, such as graduations and Mother's Day, providing a unique dessert experience that enhances customer loyalty and market share for the brand.
- Brand Collaboration: Maxime Krug, Marketing & Category Director at Biscoff®, emphasized that the unique flavor of Biscoff® continues to grow in the U.S. market, and BJ's new offering will further meet consumer demands and elevate brand image.
See More
