Zacks Research Issues Positive Outlook for EAT Earnings

Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE:EAT) – Analysts at Zacks Research raised their Q1 2027 earnings estimates for Brinker International in a research report issued on Wednesday, August 26th. Zacks Research analyst Team now anticipates that the restaurant operator will post earnings per share of $2.29 for the quarter, up from their previous estimate of $2.16. The consensus estimate for Brinker International’s current full-year earnings is $13.24 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Brinker International’s Q2 2027 earnings at $3.24 EPS, Q3 2027 earnings at $3.45 EPS, Q4 2027 earnings at $4.05 EPS, FY2027 earnings at $13.03 EPS, Q1 2028 earnings at $2.49 EPS, Q2 2028 earnings at $3.30 EPS, Q3 2028 earnings at $3.54 EPS, Q4 2028 earnings at $4.34 EPS, FY2028 earnings at $13.66 EPS and FY2029 earnings at $14.90 EPS.

EAT has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Piper Sandler boosted their price objective on Brinker International from $166.00 to $240.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research note on Monday, August 17th. Stephens upped their price objective on shares of Brinker International from $220.00 to $300.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a report on Thursday, August 13th. TD Cowen lifted their target price on shares of Brinker International from $210.00 to $270.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 12th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on shares of Brinker International from $207.00 to $250.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research report on Thursday, August 13th. Finally, Mizuho increased their price objective on Brinker International from $175.00 to $275.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research report on Thursday, August 13th. Seventeen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $242.19.

Brinker International Price Performance

EAT stock opened at $240.52 on Thursday. Brinker International has a 1 year low of $100.30 and a 1 year high of $254.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.95, a current ratio of 0.45 and a quick ratio of 0.40. The firm has a market capitalization of $10.05 billion, a PE ratio of 22.09, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.28 and a beta of 1.24. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $200.98 and a 200-day simple moving average of $165.34.

Brinker International (NYSE:EAT) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 12th. The restaurant operator reported $3.07 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.09 by ($0.02). Brinker International had a net margin of 8.39% and a return on equity of 122.35%. The business had revenue of $1.54 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $1.53 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.30 EPS. The firm’s revenue was up 5.1% on a year-over-year basis. Brinker International has set its FY 2027 guidance at 12.600-13.400 EPS.

Insider Transactions at Brinker International

In related news, EVP George S. Felix sold 14,349 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $237.47, for a total transaction of $3,407,457.03. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 6,293 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,494,398.71. This trade represents a 69.51% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Aaron M. White sold 16,220 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $236.22, for a total value of $3,831,488.40. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 42,756 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,099,822.32. The trade was a 27.50% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 145,014 shares of company stock worth $34,958,437. 1.43% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Brinker International

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of EAT. Deutsche Bank AG grew its stake in Brinker International by 18.0% during the 2nd quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 63,795 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock worth $10,718,000 after purchasing an additional 9,733 shares in the last quarter. Callan Family Office LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Brinker International during the second quarter worth approximately $2,258,000. Bank of America Corp DE lifted its stake in Brinker International by 37.7% in the first quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 242,648 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock worth $34,643,000 after acquiring an additional 66,383 shares during the last quarter. Cynosure Group LLC acquired a new position in Brinker International during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $766,000. Finally, Swedbank AB acquired a new position in Brinker International during the 1st quarter worth approximately $3,855,000.

Brinker International News Roundup

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

• Positive Sentiment: Brinker’s latest results showed solid operating momentum: quarterly revenue rose 5.1% year over year to approximately $1.54 billion, while comparable restaurant sales increased 5.0% and Chili’s comparable sales climbed 5.6%. Management also issued fiscal 2027 EPS guidance of $12.60–$13.40 and expanded its share-repurchase authorization to $750 million.
• Positive Sentiment: Robert W. Baird initiated coverage with an “outperform” rating and a $325 price target, offering a bullish view that the company’s growth outlook can support additional upside. Robert W. Baird Initiates Coverage on Brinker International
• Neutral Sentiment: Chili’s launched a promotional “Chili’s Golf Club” activation at DeBell Golf Club in California. The campaign could support brand engagement, but its near-term financial impact is unclear. Chili’s Golf Club announcement
• Negative Sentiment: A recent analyst downgrade to a neutral stance suggested that much of Brinker’s strong earnings news may already be reflected in the stock following its sharp rally. Valuation concerns are more prominent with shares near their 52-week high, while several older analyst targets remain below the current trading level.
• Negative Sentiment: Insider selling is adding short-term pressure. Senior Vice President Daniel S. Fuller sold 1,909 shares for approximately $484,000 on August 25, following other disclosed sales, including SVP James Butler’s 10,000-share sale valued at roughly $2.4 million. Across the past six months, reported insider activity included 15 sales and no purchases. Daniel Fuller insider sale

About Brinker International

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.