UPDATE: J.P. Morgan Downgrades Brinker International to Neutral, Raises PT Following Model Update

In a report published Tuesday, J.P. Morgan analyst John Ivankoe downgraded the rating on

from Overweight to Neutral, but raised the price target from $42.00 to $45.00. In the report, J.P. Morgan noted, “The company has a stated goal of reaching $4.00 in F17 EPS from $1.96 in F12 (mid-teens CAGR) through a combination of top-line comp-driven growth, margin expansion, and share repurchase. We see this high FCF/cash for repurchase as well as visible comp and margin drivers allowing the company to achieve this goal but believe this is nearly reflected in the stock price after performance YTD. As a result we believe a Neutral rating is now warranted.” Brinker International closed on Monday at $40.95.