Brinker International, Inc. owns, develops, operates, and franchises casual dining restaurants in the United States and internationally. Its restaurant brands include Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy. The company was founded in 1975 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.
Brinker Expands Chili's Menu Strategy for Fiscal 2027
Brinker International is broadening the menu strategy at Chili's for fiscal 2027, with management highlighting chicken, kids' offerings and desserts as key areas of focus. The Big Crispy Chicken Sandwich remains central to the plan, and management said chicken sandwiches sold per restaurant per day had risen sharply since the launch. Chili's is also revamping its kids' menu with grilled chicken tenders, mini Moltens, cheese quesadillas, upgraded ice cream and a kids' mocktail, while desserts get upgraded skillet cookies and ice cream, the Molten-over-cookie combination and the return of cheesecake. The push comes as Chili's reported its 21st consecutive quarter of same-store sales growth in fourth-quarter fiscal 2026, with Brinker working on restaurant throughput and guest experience to convert higher traffic into sustained sales and margin growth. Brinker shares have gained 51.5% over the past six months against the industry's 13.2% decline, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2027 earnings per share implies a year-over-year uptick of 22.7%.
EAT · Demand · Positive Chili's menu expansion with chicken sandwiches, kids' and dessert items drives traffic and its 21st straight quarter of same-store sales growth
EAT · Capital · Positive Fiscal 2027 EPS consensus implies 22.7% year-over-year growth as management targets sustained sales and margin growth
Chili's to Add 20-30 US Restaurants a Year Through Fiscal 2029
Brinker International plans to open 20 to 30 new Chili's restaurants annually through fiscal 2029, part of a broader growth strategy that would lift its restaurant count 2% to 3% each year. The company has identified as many as 300 potential sites for future locations, according to Brinker Chief Financial Officer Mika Ware. The expansion follows five consecutive years of sales growth, with same-store sales at Chili's up 71% over that period, leadership announced at Brinker's 2026 Investor Day presentation on Sept. 17. Weekly visits per restaurant rose from about 3,400 in fiscal 2023 to 4,200 in fiscal 2026, while average annual sales per restaurant climbed from about $3.3 million to $5 million. Chili's is targeting the Carolinas, Georgia, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Ohio beyond its strongest markets of California, Texas and Florida, and plans to remodel about 10% of its roughly 1,200 U.S. locations each year, with new restaurants costing about $5 million to $6 million to build.
EAT · Capital · Positive Brinker plans to open 20-30 new Chili's restaurants annually through fiscal 2029, lifting its restaurant count 2-3% per year as part of its growth strategy.
HSBC Downgrades Netflix as YouTube Gains Viewer Share
HSBC downgraded Netflix to Hold from Buy with a price target of $76, down from $96, citing Alphabet's YouTube taking increasing viewer share from the streaming giant. The call headlines Wall Street's most market-moving research, which also saw Jefferies downgrade both Valero to Hold from Buy with a $401 price target and Marathon Petroleum to Hold from Buy with a $413 price target, while Morgan Stanley cut Ericsson to Underweight from Equal Weight with a price target of $9, down from $11. Among upgrades, Northcoast raised Brinker to Buy from Neutral with a $275 price target, Piper Sandler lifted MetLife to Overweight from Neutral with a price target of $110, up from $99, and Citi upgraded Fifth Third to Buy from Neutral with a price target of $62, up from $59. In initiations, Rosenblatt started SanDisk at Buy with a $2,400 price target, Needham began GE HealthCare at Buy with a $93 price target, and RBC Capital launched Everest Group at Outperform with a $455 price target. William Blair downgraded Endava to Underperform from Market Perform, and Northcoast cut ACV Auctions to Neutral from Buy after the company agreed to be acquired by Copart for $10.50 per share in cash.
Brinker International Draws Heavy Investor Search as Estimates Point to 27.5% Earnings Growth
Brinker International has become one of the most searched-for stocks on Zacks.com, with the operator of Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy drawing investor attention after its shares returned -21.1% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1.3% change. The Zacks Retail - Restaurants industry, to which Brinker International belongs, lost 10.9% over the same period. Brinker International is expected to post earnings of $2.46 per share for the current quarter, a year-over-year change of +27.5%, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate up +1.8% over the last 30 days, while the consensus earnings estimate of $13 for the current fiscal year indicates a year-over-year change of +21% and has moved -1.8% over the last 30 days. For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $14.12 indicates a change of +8.7%, up +1.3% over the past month, and the consensus sales estimate for the current quarter of $1.45 billion indicates a year-over-year change of +7.3%, with current and next fiscal year estimates of $6.28 billion and $6.47 billion indicating +8.1% and +3% changes, respectively. Brinker International reported revenues of $1.54 billion in the last reported quarter, a year-over-year change of +5.1%, with EPS of $3.07 versus $2.49 a year ago, a revenue surprise of +0.39% against the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.53 billion and an EPS surprise of 0%. The stock carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) and a Zacks Value Style Score of B, indicating it is trading at a discount to its peers.
EAT · Capital · Neutral Article reports Brinker's earnings/sales estimates and Zacks Rank, but no company-specific development; the -21.1% share move and estimate data are mixed context.
Restaurant Stocks Fall as US Dining Foot Traffic Drops 2.4% in August
Shares of several US restaurant chains traded lower Tuesday morning after a nationwide decline in dining foot traffic stoked concerns about weakening consumer demand. Foot traffic across US dining chains fell 2.4% year-over-year in August, according to Placer.ai's August 2026 Retail and Dining Index, as average gasoline prices stayed above $4 per gallon and menu-price inflation weighed on discretionary spending. Food-away-from-home prices rose 3.4% year-over-year, outpacing a 2.2% increase for groceries and reinforcing a shift toward eating at home. Among the decliners, Bloomin' Brands fell 3.9%, Cracker Barrel dropped 4.1%, The Cheesecake Factory slid 3.2%, Brinker International lost 3.9%, and Portillo's declined 3.6%. Cracker Barrel is up 73.3% since the start of the year but at $46.54 per share remains 21.2% below its 52-week high of $59.04 set in August 2026.
Brinker International Earns Zacks Rank #2 as Earnings Estimates Rise
Brinker International, the operator of Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy, has been rated Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) on the strength of recent upward revisions to consensus earnings estimates. For the current quarter, the company is expected to post earnings of $2.46 per share, a change of +27.5% from the year-ago quarter, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate up +13% over the last 30 days. The consensus earnings estimate of $13.09 for the current fiscal year indicates a year-over-year change of +21.9% and has risen +6.9% over the past 30 days, while the next fiscal year's estimate of $14.05 indicates a change of +7.4% and has moved +5.9% over the past month. Consensus sales estimates stand at $1.45 billion for the current quarter, $6.28 billion for the current fiscal year and $6.44 billion for the next fiscal year, indicating year-over-year changes of +7.3%, +8.1% and +2.5%, respectively. In the last reported quarter, Brinker International posted revenues of $1.54 billion, up +5.1% year over year, and EPS of $3.07 versus $2.49 a year ago, with the revenue figure coming in +0.39% above the Zacks Consensus Estimate and the EPS surprise at 0%.
Brinker International Q2 Earnings Call Highlights Chili's Momentum
Brinker International reported second-quarter results that were well received, with management highlighting continued momentum at Chili's as the primary growth engine. Revenue came in at $1.54 billion versus analyst estimates of $1.53 billion, while adjusted EPS of $3.07 slightly missed expectations of $3.09. The company issued adjusted EPS guidance for fiscal 2027 of $13 at the midpoint, beating analyst estimates by 3.9%. CEO Kevin D. Hochman credited sustained traffic and sales gains to improvements in guest experience, value leadership, and product launches like the Big Crispy Chicken Sandwich.
Brinker International Earnings Estimates Rise on Analyst Optimism
Analysts are raising earnings estimates for Brinker International, the operator of Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy, signaling growing optimism about the company's prospects. For the current quarter, the consensus estimate has increased 5.2% over the last 30 days to $2.29 per share, with three upward revisions and no negative ones. For the full year, the consensus estimate rose 6.28% to $12.77 per share, supported by seven upward revisions and no negative revisions. The stock has gained 24% over the past four weeks, and Brinker International currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Chili's Operating Chief Sells $6.2 Million in Stock
Brinker International's EVP, COO and CPO Aaron M. White sold 25,736 shares of common stock at $239.51 per share on August 13 and August 14, according to an SEC Form 4 filing. The transaction included 16,220 shares sold directly on the open market and 9,516 shares withheld to cover tax liabilities associated with a simultaneous vesting event. Following the disposal, White retains 42,756 shares representing a 0.1% insider ownership stake. Brinker International shares generated a roughly 50% total return over the 12-month period ending on the August 14 transaction date.
Brinker CEO Sells 100,152 Shares After Five Years of Chili's Growth
Brinker International CEO Kevin Hochman sold 100,152 shares of company stock on August 13, according to an SEC filing. The transaction, valued at about $24.4 million, included 60,152 shares withheld for taxes and an open-market sale of 40,000 shares under a Rule 10b5-1 plan adopted in March. Hochman retains 184,090 shares, a beneficial ownership stake of roughly 0.4 percent. The sale came after Brinker closed fiscal 2026 with a fourth quarter that marked five consecutive years of same-store sales growth at Chili's, a cumulative increase of 71 percent, with quarterly revenue of $1.52 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $227.6 million.
Brinker International Issues Stronger-Than-Expected Fiscal 2027 Outlook
Brinker International shares jumped Wednesday after the Chili's parent reported mixed fiscal fourth-quarter results but issued a stronger-than-expected fiscal 2027 outlook. The company posted adjusted earnings of $3.07 per share, narrowly missing the $3.09 analyst estimate, while total revenue rose to $1.536 billion from $1.462 billion a year earlier, edging past the $1.534 billion estimate. For fiscal 2027, Brinker expects adjusted earnings of $12.60 to $13.40 per share, above the $12.52 analyst estimate, and revenue of $6.15 billion to $6.27 billion, compared with the $6.145 billion estimate. CEO Kevin Hochman said Chili's ended fiscal 2026 with five straight years of same-store sales growth, producing a 71% cumulative increase over that period, and called takeout Chili's next big frontier, with takeout already accounting for 25% of Chili's business. The company also repurchased about $400 million of common stock during fiscal 2026 and increased the amount authorized under its existing share repurchase program to $750 million.
Chili's turnaround drives Brinker International growth
Brinker International CEO Kevin Hochman declared the Chili's turnaround is real during the company's latest earnings call. Since 2022, Hochman has improved food quality and service, introduced operational efficiencies, and reduced menu options to focus on burgers, fajitas, and baby back ribs, positioning Chili's as an affordable sit-down alternative to fast food. The chain's viral TikTok cheese-pull in fall 2024 powered a 70% surge in Triple Dipper appetizer sales, and marketing campaigns continue to bolster same-store sales. Chili's reported an 18% restaurant-level operating margin, up 20 basis points year-over-year, and management aims to reach closer to 20% through initiatives like HotSchedules and simplified shift line checks. The company has assembled a 'North of 6' team of top managers to replicate the success of its highest-performing restaurants.
Brinker International Issues Fiscal 2027 Revenue Guidance and Expands Buyback
Brinker International moved back into focus after issuing fiscal 2027 revenue guidance of US$6.15b to US$6.27b, alongside fresh earnings results and an expanded share repurchase authorization. At a share price of US$238.61, the stock has returned 28.75% over the past 30 days and 73.89% over 90 days, with a one-year total shareholder return of 50.94%. The most followed valuation narrative pegs the stock as about 20.1% overvalued versus a fair value of $198.67, though on simple earnings terms it trades at a P/E of 21x, below the US Hospitality industry at 23.1x. The company continues to face pressure from rising labor and commodity costs and a consumer shift toward off-premise dining.
CPI report, Cisco and Brinker earnings highlight Wednesday's investor calendar
Investors face a busy Wednesday with the July Consumer Price Index report, Cisco's fiscal fourth-quarter results, and earnings from Brinker International. The CPI release will be closely watched after recent labor market data disappointed, with expectations for a monthly gain following an unexpected decline in June. Cisco is expected to show higher revenue sequentially, benefiting from AI infrastructure demand, and investors will focus on its guidance. Meanwhile, quarterly results from Brinker International provide more color on consumer spending, with analysts eyeing same-store sales and potential tailwinds from ad spending and improved food quality, though commodity inflation and labor costs remain headwinds for the Chili's owner.
Brinker International Could Be 2% Overvalued as Chili’s Growth Narrative Builds
Brinker International’s stock may be about 2% overvalued, with a most-followed narrative fair value of $184.90 compared to its last close of $189.27. The company has seen strong momentum, posting a 24.91% year-to-date share price return and a 14.45% one-year total shareholder return, while its three-year total shareholder return has exceeded 4x. Menu innovation and a focus on core items appealing to younger demographics are expected to support future revenue growth, though rising labor and commodity costs and shifting dining habits pose risks. Despite the slight overvaluation implied by the narrative, Brinker’s price-to-earnings ratio of 17.5x sits below an estimated fair ratio of 20x and well under the US Hospitality industry average of 24.2x, suggesting the market may be pricing the stock conservatively.
EAT · Capital · Neutral Article suggests slight overvaluation (2%) based on narrative fair value vs. current price, but also notes conservative P/E below industry average.
Brinker International Stock Rises 11.4% Amid Strong Same-Store Sales but Flat Restaurant Count
Brinker International shares have climbed 11.4% to $185.23 over the past six months, closely tracking the S&P 500's 8.4% gain. The company has posted exceptional average same-store sales growth of 15.5% over the last two years, signaling strong demand at existing locations. With $5.73 billion in revenue over the past 12 months, Brinker benefits from economies of scale and a well-known brand. However, its restaurant count has remained flat at 1,632 locations over the same period, which could limit future revenue growth. The stock trades at 15.2 times forward earnings.
Brinker, e.l.f. Beauty, Boeing Highlighted as Profitable Stocks with Growth Potential
StockStory identified Brinker International, e.l.f. Beauty, and Boeing as profitable companies balancing reliable profits with growth. Brinker International reported a trailing 12-month GAAP operating margin of 10.4%, with average same-store sales growth of 15.5% over two years and revenue of $5.73 billion. e.l.f. Beauty posted a 4.5% operating margin, annual revenue growth of 41.4% over three years, and a gross margin of 71%. Boeing recorded a 4.6% operating margin, unit sales growth averaging 69.7% over two years, and forecasted revenue growth of 10.4% for the next 12 months.
Zacks Highlights Dutch Bros, Brinker, BJ's, and Arcos Dorados as Restaurant Stocks to Buy Despite Industry Headwinds
Zacks Equity Research identifies Dutch Bros, Brinker International, BJ's Restaurants, and Arcos Dorados as four restaurant stocks well-positioned to navigate ongoing industry challenges. The Zacks Retail-Restaurants industry faces pressure from elevated menu prices, cautious consumer spending, and rising labor, food, and occupancy costs, yet operators benefit from sustained demand for convenience, expanding digital platforms, and new restaurant openings. The industry carries a Zacks Industry Rank of 181, placing it in the bottom 27% of more than 247 industries, and has declined 8% over the past year while the S&P 500 rose 22.8%. Dutch Bros is expected to see 2026 sales and earnings rise 27.1% and 22.4% year over year, respectively, while Brinker International's fiscal 2026 sales and earnings are projected to increase 7.9% and 20.8%. BJ's Restaurants anticipates 2026 sales growth of 2.7% but an earnings decline of 2.2%, and Arcos Dorados forecasts sales and earnings jumps of 10% and 180.8%.
BROS · Demand · Positive Expected 2026 sales and earnings growth of 27.1% and 22.4% respectively, driven by sustained demand for convenience and new openings.
EAT · Demand · Positive Projected fiscal 2026 sales and earnings growth of 7.9% and 20.8% respectively, benefiting from digital platforms and new openings.
BJRI · · Neutral Mentioned as a stock to buy despite industry headwinds, but projected earnings decline of 2.2% for 2026.
Wingstop and Brinker International Show Resilience While Wendy's Faces Headwinds
StockStory highlights two restaurant stocks worth attention and one facing challenges. Wingstop demonstrates strong same-store sales growth and a 25.9% two-year operating margin, while Brinker International achieved 15.5% same-store sales growth and rising returns on capital. In contrast, Wendy's struggles with weak same-store sales trends, flat revenue expectations, and a high net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 7 times. Wingstop trades at 33.6 times forward P/E and Brinker at 14.8 times, compared to Wendy's at 13.2 times.
Brinker International Shares Rise After Jim Cramer Expresses Optimism
Brinker International shares moved higher after Jim Cramer expressed optimism about the company. The stock closed 14.5% higher on April 29 following its fiscal third-quarter earnings report, which showed revenue of $1.47 billion meeting estimates and adjusted earnings of $2.90 per share beating the $2.87 consensus. Cramer praised CEO Kevin Hochman's management, noting the company has cattle prices under control and highlighting its $10 meal offering. On the earnings call, management acknowledged ongoing beef price pressure but pointed to a varied menu that includes chicken, expecting mid-single-digit commodity inflation to persist into fiscal 2027.
Brinker International Stands Out as a Value Stock with Strong Fundamentals
StockStory highlights Brinker International as a value stock with solid fundamentals, while flagging Teladoc and Jack in the Box as stocks to avoid. Brinker International, trading at $177.68 per share with a forward P/E of 14.5x, has posted average same-store sales growth of 15.5% over the past two years and generates $5.73 billion in revenue, giving it scale and bargaining power. In contrast, Teladoc faces flat sales and a 9% annual decline in average revenue per user, and Jack in the Box is dealing with weak same-store sales and restaurant closures.
Brinker International Added to Russell Defensive Indexes as Chili’s Launches Margarita Promotion
Brinker International was added to both the Russell 2000 Growth-Defensive Index and the Russell 2000 Defensive Index in late June 2026, while its Chili’s brand launched a new Bombshell Margarita of the Month promotion across US restaurants. The index inclusions may attract incremental institutional capital and index-linked flows, adding visibility alongside favorable Wall Street analyst views. Brinker’s narrative projects $6.7 billion revenue and $609.9 million earnings by 2029, requiring 5.1% yearly revenue growth and about a $147 million earnings increase from $462.9 million today. Some optimistic analysts already forecast revenue around $6.7 billion and earnings of about $625 million by 2029, though rising labor and commodity costs remain a key risk in the competitive casual dining market.
Brinker International Gains 2.42% While Broader Market Dips
Brinker International closed at $172.07, up 2.42%, outperforming the S&P 500 which lost 0.22%. The operator of Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy has risen 21.56% over the past month, contrasting with a 5.51% decline in the Retail-Wholesale sector. The company is expected to report earnings per share of $3.08, a 23.69% increase from the prior-year quarter, on revenue of $1.53 billion. Full-year consensus estimates project earnings of $10.75 per share and revenue of $5.81 billion, representing year-over-year growth of 20.79% and 7.89% respectively. Brinker International holds a Zacks Rank of 2, or Buy, and trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 15.63, a discount to its industry average of 20.37.
Brinker International's Average Brokerage Recommendation Suggests Buy, but Zacks Rank Says Hold
Wall Street analysts have an average brokerage recommendation of 1.59 for Brinker International, approximating between Strong Buy and Buy, based on 23 brokerage firms. Of those, 15 are Strong Buy and two are Buy, accounting for 65.2% and 8.7% of all recommendations respectively. However, the Zacks Rank for Brinker International is #3 (Hold), driven by an unchanged consensus earnings estimate of $10.75 for the current year over the past month. Zacks Investment Research cautions that brokerage recommendations often carry a positive bias and may not reliably predict stock price movements, whereas the Zacks Rank is based on earnings estimate revisions and has a stronger correlation with near-term price performance.
Brinker International Stock Rises 18.3% in a Month Amid Steady Earnings Estimates
Brinker International shares have gained 18.3% over the past month, outperforming the S&P 500's 2.9% decline and the 1.6% gain in the Zacks Retail-Restaurants industry. The consensus earnings estimate for the current quarter stands at $3.08 per share, a 23.8% year-over-year increase, and has remained unchanged over the last 30 days. For the current fiscal year, the estimate is $10.75, up 20.8%, while the next fiscal year's estimate is $12.42, a 15.6% rise, both also unchanged. The company reported revenues of $1.47 billion in its latest quarter, a 3.2% increase, with EPS of $2.90 beating the consensus by 1.75%. Brinker International holds a Zacks Rank of 3, or Hold, and a Value Style Score of B, indicating it trades at a discount to peers.
Brinker International shares rise as oil price drop eases consumer pressure
Brinker International shares rose 3.4% after WTI crude fell below $70 per barrel, easing pressure on consumer wallets. Oil prices dropped 3% to their lowest since early March, acting as a de facto tax cut for middle- and lower-income consumers. The broader restaurant sector, including quick-service and casual dining names like McDonald's and Darden, benefited from the macro tailwind. Cheaper energy provides a much-needed catalyst for traffic recovery, though wage inflation remains a risk to restaurant operating margins. Brinker's CEO recently expressed confidence, citing 20 consecutive quarters of comparable sales growth at Chili's, and an analyst at TD Cowen raised the price target to $192.
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