Zacks Research Issues Pessimistic Estimate for EAT Earnings

Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE:EAT) – Investment analysts at Zacks Research decreased their Q2 2028 earnings per share estimates for shares of Brinker International in a report issued on Tuesday, March 24th. Zacks Research analyst Team now forecasts that the restaurant operator will post earnings per share of $3.24 for the quarter, down from their previous estimate of $3.30. Zacks Research has a “Hold” rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for Brinker International’s current full-year earnings is $8.30 per share.

Several other equities research analysts have also commented on EAT. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Brinker International from $187.00 to $190.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research note on Monday, March 16th. Wolfe Research started coverage on Brinker International in a research note on Monday, March 9th. They issued an “outperform” rating and a $184.00 target price on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their target price on Brinker International from $180.00 to $200.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Thursday, January 29th. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on Brinker International from $155.00 to $175.00 and gave the company a “hold” rating in a research report on Thursday, January 29th. Finally, Mizuho lifted their price target on Brinker International from $155.00 to $175.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a report on Friday, January 9th. Thirteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $186.61.

Brinker International Stock Down 3.1%

EAT opened at $146.93 on Thursday. Brinker International has a fifty-two week low of $100.30 and a fifty-two week high of $187.12. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.40 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.86, a PEG ratio of 1.07 and a beta of 1.34. The company’s 50-day moving average is $152.51 and its 200 day moving average is $142.10. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.19, a current ratio of 0.36 and a quick ratio of 0.31.

Brinker International (NYSE:EAT) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, January 28th. The restaurant operator reported $2.87 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.53 by $0.34. The firm had revenue of $1.45 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.41 billion. Brinker International had a net margin of 7.98% and a return on equity of 134.92%. The business’s revenue was up 6.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $2.80 EPS. Brinker International has set its FY 2026 guidance at 1.045-10.850 EPS.

Institutional Trading of Brinker International

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Hsbc Holdings PLC lifted its holdings in Brinker International by 155.9% during the 4th quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 33,416 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock worth $4,803,000 after purchasing an additional 20,356 shares in the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. grew its holdings in Brinker International by 0.9% during the 4th quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 564,633 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock valued at $81,036,000 after buying an additional 5,064 shares in the last quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV grew its holdings in Brinker International by 51.4% during the 4th quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 12,880 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock valued at $1,849,000 after buying an additional 4,372 shares in the last quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp increased its position in shares of Brinker International by 111.8% during the fourth quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 6,258 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock valued at $892,000 after buying an additional 3,304 shares during the period. Finally, Empowered Funds LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Brinker International by 422.2% in the fourth quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 58,637 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock worth $8,416,000 after buying an additional 47,409 shares in the last quarter.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, EVP Michaela M. Ware sold 5,000 shares of Brinker International stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $162.40, for a total value of $812,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 19,923 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,235,495.20. The trade was a 20.06% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 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 sale, the executive vice president directly owned 42,756 shares in the company, valued at $7,054,740. The trade was a 14.07% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold 97,678 shares of company stock worth $15,700,372 in the last 90 days. 1.43% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

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.