Zacks Research Has Positive Outlook of EAT FY2026 Earnings

Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE:EAT) – Stock analysts at Zacks Research raised their FY2026 EPS estimates for Brinker International in a research report issued on Wednesday, February 11th. Zacks Research analyst Team now forecasts that the restaurant operator will post earnings per share of $10.61 for the year, up from their previous estimate of $10.16. Zacks Research currently has a “Strong-Buy” rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for Brinker International’s current full-year earnings is $8.30 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Brinker International’s Q4 2026 earnings at $2.98 EPS, Q1 2027 earnings at $2.14 EPS, Q2 2027 earnings at $2.99 EPS, Q3 2027 earnings at $3.35 EPS, Q4 2027 earnings at $3.75 EPS, FY2027 earnings at $12.23 EPS and Q2 2028 earnings at $3.30 EPS.

EAT has been the topic of several other research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on Brinker International from $177.00 to $187.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on Brinker International from $200.00 to $205.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price objective on shares of Brinker International from $140.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock a “market perform” rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price objective on shares of Brinker International from $215.00 to $200.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 24th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group increased 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. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have given a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Brinker International presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $188.56.

Brinker International Trading Down 0.8%

Shares of NYSE:EAT opened at $161.24 on Thursday. Brinker International has a 52-week low of $100.30 and a 52-week high of $187.12. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.19, a quick ratio of 0.31 and a current ratio of 0.36. The company has a market capitalization of $7.02 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.15 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $155.16 and a 200 day simple moving average of $144.45.

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

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Concord Wealth Partners bought a new position in Brinker International in the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. Allworth Financial LP increased its stake in Brinker International by 105.8% in the second quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 142 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 73 shares during the last quarter. Transamerica Financial Advisors LLC raised its position in Brinker International by 570.4% during the fourth quarter. Transamerica Financial Advisors LLC now owns 181 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 154 shares in the last quarter. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Brinker International during the second quarter worth $34,000. Finally, Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Brinker International in the 3rd quarter valued at $25,000.

Insider Activity at Brinker International

In other 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 sale, 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 ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Kevin Hochman sold 66,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Thursday, January 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $160.31, for a total value of $10,580,460.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 129,824 shares in the company, valued at approximately $20,812,085.44. This trade represents a 33.70% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last three months, insiders sold 97,678 shares of company stock valued at $15,700,372. 1.43% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Brinker International News Summary

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

• Positive Sentiment: Zacks Research raised multiple near‑ and long‑term EPS forecasts (FY2026–FY2028) and issued a “Strong‑Buy” on EAT — a clear bullish catalyst that can lift sentiment and valuation expectations. MarketBeat EAT
• Positive Sentiment: Several Wall Street firms have bumped price targets and ratings recently (Mizuho, Raymond James, TD Cowen, UBS), signaling confidence in Brinker’s growth and supporting buy-side interest. MarketBeat EAT
• Positive Sentiment: Seasonal demand: a Zacks roundup includes EAT as a Valentine’s Day beneficiary alongside confectionery and travel stocks — higher dining and gifting spending (est. record holiday) could boost near‑term traffic and comps. When Love Drives Spending: 5 Stock Picks for Valentine’s Day
• Neutral Sentiment: A Seeking Alpha analysis praises recent results and comp/traffic gains but notes there’s still operational upside — useful context but not an immediate catalyst. Brinker International: Crisp Results, Traffic Gains
• Neutral Sentiment: Brand/marketing activity (Chili’s “Margarita of the Month Club”) could modestly lift traffic and customer engagement, but is unlikely to move the stock materially on its own. Chili’s Margarita Club PR
• Neutral Sentiment: Zacks made small mixed estimate moves — several upgrades across FY2026–FY2028 but a tiny Q2‑2028 cut (from $3.31 to $3.30) — overall upbeat but with isolated tweaks investors should note. MarketBeat EAT
• Neutral Sentiment: Institutional flows show some new and expanded positions by funds; steady institutional interest can support longer‑term share stability. MarketBeat EAT
• Negative Sentiment: Insider selling: Director James C. Katzman sold 447 shares at roughly $164.19 (SEC filing). The sale is small (~1.5% reduction) but can be interpreted by some investors as a near‑term negative signal. SEC Filing

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.