Let's grab some Yum! (YUM), Panera (PNRA), Darden (DRI) and Chipotle (CMG).

Chipotle (CMG) downgraded from neutral to underperform at Merrill Lynch, price target reduced to $51 from $63 and 2008 EPS reduced to $2.36 and 2009 EPS $2.75. ML downgrade based upon continued deterioration of consumer landscape.

Silver-Lining Stocks: With the short-selling rule coming back into effect tonight, here are some good stocks driven down by short-sellers that could see a pop.

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The drubbing left the one-time high-flyer -- flagged here in October as over- priced -- down nearly 56% this year. At about 66, shares now fetch just over 20 times forward earnings, down from a jalapeño-hot 53 times last fall. One analyst after another surrendered and downgraded the stock last week, worried about compressed margins and slowing growth as menu-price increases failed to offset the surging cost of ingredients. It doesn't help that the jalapeno has joined another key ingredient -- tomatoes -- on the salmonella-scare list. Sometime soon, a better risk-reward profile will nudge Chipotle onto the Buy list. After all, sales and profits are still growing, and the company plans to open more restaurants this year than it did last. But one senses the selling could get worse before the bears exact their toll and things get better.

Restaurant Rallies Have Short Shelf Life
Restaurant stocks like Panera and Chipotle are soaring as commodity prices take a breather. Options columnist Steve Smith says don't be fooled by this bear trap.

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Chipotle (CMG) was upgraded from Neutral to Outperform, Robert Baird said. $140 price target. Would use post-earnings weakness as a buying opportunity. Upward bisa to 2008 expectations.

Love the food

When Peter Lynch talked about stalking the ten-baggers, he was without a doubt talking about companies like Chipotle. Obviously, with a current multiple (1/25/08) of 66, this stock is a bit overvalued. But also like Peter Lynch, I am emphasizing the long-term.
I visited my local Chipotle today around lunch time (I was craving it). Just like the first time I ever went to Chipotle (and fell in love), the line was stretched all the way to the door, which accounted for about 20+ people constantly (trust me, I counted). This reminded me that the story was still intact.
I will be buying this stock in the near future.

Great run company

I have heard alot about it and bought in back when it was around $50.00

high valuation

can't sustain a 70 p/e

The price = lottsa burritos

Went to alot of the stores during lunch in different cities. They all have low customer flow in lines. I am thinking that people have stopped eating out so much. They do this to compensate for the price of gas

short

over valued

any concern about the > 30% of float being shorted?