Bloomin’ Brands primed for gains, Barrons’ says

Bloomin’ Brands, owner of Outback Steakhouse, aims to put more sizzle in its sales as it tries to catch up with faster-growing competitors. Once it does, the stock should flourish, Jacob Sonenshine writes in this week’s edition of Barron’s. If the company can keep costs in check – selling, general, and administrative expenses should be flat this year at $252 million, even with higher marketing spending – margins can increase and the bottom line can grow faster than sales. Earnings per share could grow by double digits annually, helped by continued stock buybacks, the publication notes.