Citigroup Raises Price Target for BJ's Restaurants Stock

Analysts see potential upside for the casual dining chain despite some caution

Feb. 26, 2026 at 9:03pm

Citigroup analysts have raised their price target for BJ's Restaurants (NASDAQ:BJRI) stock from $45 to $49, though they maintained a 'neutral' rating on the shares. The move comes after the restaurant operator reported better-than-expected Q4 earnings, with revenue climbing around 3.2% year-over-year. While some analysts remain cautious, the price target hike signals institutional conviction that BJ's can sustain its recent momentum in sales and margins.

Why it matters

BJ's Restaurants is a prominent casual dining chain known for its deep-dish pizzas, craft beers, and other California-inspired offerings. The company's performance is closely watched as an indicator of broader consumer spending trends and the health of the restaurant industry. The Citigroup note suggests that despite some lingering concerns, there is optimism that BJ's can build on its recent operational improvements.

The details

In its research report, Citigroup cited BJ's Q4 earnings beat as a key factor behind the price target increase. The company reported earnings of $0.66 per share, topping the consensus estimate of $0.60. Revenue also came in ahead of expectations at $355.4 million. Citigroup's analysts noted that the results validate 'modest top-line growth and margin improvement' at BJ's. However, not all analysts are equally bullish - Barclays raised its price target to $42 but maintained an 'underweight' rating, suggesting caution about BJ's longer-term growth prospects.

  • BJ's Restaurants reported its Q4 2025 earnings on February 26, 2026.

The players

Citigroup

A major global financial services company that provides investment banking, securities, asset management, and other financial products and services.

BJ's Restaurants

A publicly traded casual dining restaurant chain known for its deep-dish pizzas, craft beers, and California-inspired menu items.

Barclays

A multinational investment bank and financial services company headquartered in London.

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What’s next

Investors will be watching to see if BJ's Restaurants can sustain the positive momentum reflected in its recent earnings report. The company's ability to drive continued sales growth and margin improvement will be key factors in determining whether the stock price can reach the new Citigroup price target.

The takeaway

The mixed analyst views on BJ's Restaurants highlight the ongoing challenges facing the casual dining industry, even as some chains like BJ's show signs of operational improvement. The stock's performance will likely hinge on BJ's ability to navigate industry headwinds and deliver consistent financial results in the quarters ahead.