Bojangles is getting smoked

Bojangles

(Facebook/Bojangles')

Bojangles shares fell more than 8% on Tuesday afternoon after several analysts initiated coverage on the company and the reception was, well, mixed.

Jeffries rated the stock a "Buy" with a price target of $28.01.

For the analysts, Bojangles' growth is hinged on its strong brand presence.

Jefferies wrote, "The brand is the #5 player in the $21 billion [quick service restaurant] chicken category, but more importantly has a strong breakfast daypart that generates nearly 40% of sales and has a loyal, habitual consumer base. Bojangles’ has a strong should help the brand perform going forward."

But Barclays analysts, who initiated coverage with a "Neutral" rating and a price target of $27, were doubtful about the company's ability to grow beyond the Southern US.

"BOJA has a strong 'core' Carolina presence, but recognition and therefore financial performance in 'adjacent' markets (2/3’s of future opens with [Average Unit Volumes] ~25% lower) are more challenging."

Piper Jaffray analysts rated the stock "Neutral" with a price target of $27 per share. "From a company perspective solid, but stuck from a stock perspective," they wrote.

The fried-chicken-and-biscuit-chain went public less than a month ago and priced its IPO at $19 a share at the higher range of its expectations. The stock spiked 29% on the first day of trading.

On Tuesday, the stock fell to as low as $25.72 per share.

Here's a chart showing the slide in shares:

Screen Shot 2015 06 02 at 1.18.48 PM

(Google Finance)

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