Brinker International (NYSE:EAT) Posts Quarterly Earnings Results

29 Apr 2026, 16:06 by Amy Steele · The Cerbat Gem

Brinker International (NYSE:EAT – Get Free Report) posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday. The restaurant operator reported $2.90 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.86 by $0.04, Zacks reports. The firm had revenue of $1.47 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.48 billion. Brinker International had a net margin of 7.98% and a return on equity of 134.92%. The business’s revenue was up 3.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $2.66 earnings per share. Brinker International updated its FY 2026 guidance to 10.60-10.850 EPS.

Here are the key takeaways from Brinker International’s conference call:

Chili’s reported its 20th consecutive quarter of same-store sales growth (+4% in Q3) and said April momentum accelerated industry outperformance to ~560 basis points, with the new chicken-sandwich platform selling ~161% more sandwiches versus pre-launch in initial weeks.
Brinker posted Q3 revenue of $1.47B, adjusted diluted EPS of $2.90, adjusted EBITDA of $223.7M, and reiterated FY26 guidance: revenues $5.78–5.82B and adjusted EPS $10.60–10.85.
Margins were pressured (restaurant operating margin 18.4% vs 18.9% prior year) due to higher food & beverage costs and R&M; management expects mid-single-digit commodity inflation (beef a key headwind) into the next fiscal year.
Management outlined growth and productivity plans — North of Six learnings to increase throughput/cycle-time, a phased re-image program (4 done, 8–10 this year, 60–80 in FY27, 10% run-rate by 2028) and a ramp to higher new-unit growth targeting a run-rate by FY2029.
Maggiano’s showed sequential improvement but remains down (Q3 comp -4.6%, traffic -10.4%); the chain is small (~8% of company sales) and management says the turnaround will take time while it focuses on service, value and operations.

Brinker International Trading Up 14.6%

Shares of EAT traded up $18.89 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $148.03. 3,104,371 shares of the company’s stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,243,088. The company has a quick ratio of 0.31, a current ratio of 0.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.19. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.45 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.97, a PEG ratio of 0.93 and a beta of 1.34. The business’s 50-day moving average price is $145.34 and its 200-day moving average price is $143.72. Brinker International has a 1 year low of $100.30 and a 1 year high of $187.12.

Trending Headlines about Brinker International

Here are the key news stories impacting Brinker International this week:

Positive Sentiment: Q3 EPS beat consensus — Brinker reported $2.90 EPS vs. ~$2.86 consensus, beating estimates and showing year-over-year EPS improvement. This confirmed operating leverage and upside to street earnings expectations. Brinker International (EAT) Q3 Earnings Surpass Estimates
Positive Sentiment: Chili’s remains the growth engine — Chili’s delivered its 20th consecutive quarter of same-store sales growth (up ~4%) and drove the revenue/traffic strength that offset Maggiano’s turnaround. Management raised FY26 EPS guidance to $10.60–$10.85 and expects free cash flow >$475M, enabling aggressive buybacks. BRINKER INTERNATIONAL REPORTS THIRD QUARTER OF FISCAL 2026 RESULTS AND UPDATES FISCAL 2026 GUIDANCE
Positive Sentiment: Analyst affirmation — A recent write-up reiterated a Buy rating with a conservative $160 price target, citing resilient consumer demand at Chili’s and upside from improved cash returns to shareholders. This likely supports renewed investor interest. Brinker: Oil Prices A Lower Risk As Chili’s Boom Continues In Q3
Neutral Sentiment: Revenue roughly in line, small shortfall vs. some estimates — Quarterly revenue was $1.47B (up ~3.2% YoY) but slightly below some analyst projections (~$1.48B), so top-line performance is solid but not a major beat. Compared to Estimates, Brinker International (EAT) Q3 Earnings: A Look at Key Metrics
Negative Sentiment: Balance-sheet/liquidity signals to watch — The company shows meaningful leverage and low current/quick ratios (background metrics: current ratio ~0.36, quick ~0.31, debt/equity ~1.19), which could constrain flexibility if consumer trends weaken despite high buybacks. Brinker International (EAT) Market Summary

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research analysts have commented on the stock. Piper Sandler lifted their price target on shares of Brinker International from $140.00 to $166.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. TD Cowen lowered their price target on shares of Brinker International from $188.00 to $170.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a report on Wednesday. Weiss Ratings raised shares of Brinker International from a “hold (c+)” rating to a “buy (b-)” rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 15th. UBS Group raised their price target on shares of Brinker International from $175.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Thursday, January 29th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price objective on shares of Brinker International from $180.00 to $200.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Thursday, January 29th. Fifteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $184.74.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on EAT

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, Director Ramona Hood sold 400 shares of Brinker International stock in a transaction on Monday, February 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $161.32, for a total value of $64,528.00. Following the sale, the director owned 9,066 shares in the company, valued at $1,462,527.12. The trade was a 4.23% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, EVP Aaron M. White sold 7,000 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $165.00, for a total transaction of $1,155,000.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 42,756 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,054,740. The trade was a 14.07% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold a total of 97,678 shares of company stock valued at $15,700,372 over the last three months. Insiders own 1.43% of the company’s stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Brinker International

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd purchased a new stake in Brinker International in the third quarter worth about $25,000. Transamerica Financial Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Brinker International by 570.4% during the 4th quarter. Transamerica Financial Advisors LLC now owns 181 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 154 shares during the period. Allworth Financial LP grew its holdings in shares of Brinker International by 58.5% during the 3rd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 225 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 83 shares during the period. Global Retirement Partners LLC raised its position in shares of Brinker International by 1,233.3% in the 4th quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 360 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock worth $52,000 after acquiring an additional 333 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Quarry LP raised its position in shares of Brinker International by 52.2% in the 3rd quarter. Quarry LP now owns 615 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock worth $78,000 after acquiring an additional 211 shares in the last quarter.

About Brinker International

(Get Free Report)

Brinker International, Inc (NYSE: EAT) is a leading global operator of casual dining restaurants. The company’s portfolio is anchored by its flagship Chili’s® Grill & Bar concept and Maggiano’s® Little Italy full‐service restaurants, offering a range of American‐style menu items, handcrafted cocktails and family‐friendly dining experiences. Through dine‐in, takeout, delivery and catering services, Brinker seeks to meet consumer preferences across multiple channels.

The Chili’s brand features signature items such as baby back ribs, burgers and fajitas alongside a rotating selection of limited‐time offerings and seasonal beverages.