EAT Brinker International, Inc.

Raymond James upgraded Brinker International to Strong Buy from Outperform, anticipating a significant earnings beat and an upward revision to the company’s financial guidance. The firm expects Q1 earnings per share (EPS) of $2.57, supported by approximately 9% comparable-sales growth at Chili’s, reflecting continued demand and effective execution. Raymond James also raised its FY2027 EPS estimate to $13.65, above the analyst consensus of $13.26. The firm sees opportunities to sustain mid-single-digit comparable-sales growth through menu enhancements, more effective marketing campaigns and operational improvements across the business. Valuation adds to the investment case, with Brinker trading at approximately 15 times projected 2027 earnings. Raymond James believes the combination of resilient sales, potential earnings outperformance and attractive valuation could support further upside if management delivers on its growth strategy. $EAT

$EAT Jefferies moved to Buy today and lifted its target to 255 dollars from 230 dollars, pegged at 11 times its 2027 EBITDA estimate. The call leans on Chili's volume, average sales per restaurant above 5 million dollars, up from roughly 3 million dollars a few years back, with about 40 percent of the menu still left to refresh. The stock popped about 3.4 percent premarket to 209.21 dollars and has since faded back to roughly flat intraday.

S&P Global Ratings revised its outlook on Brinker International to Positive from Stable while affirming its BB+ issuer credit rating, citing strong traffic growth, market-share gains and declining debt. The company’s adjusted leverage improved to 1.6x in fiscal 2026 from 1.8x a year earlier, supported by stronger earnings and a new financial policy targeting leverage below 2.0x. Brinker’s flagship Chili’s Grill & Bar brand continues to outperform the casual-dining sector through value-focused marketing and a simplified menu that attracts cost-conscious consumers. The strategy helped drive approximately 12% three-year revenue CAGR, with comparable restaurant sales rising 23% in fiscal 2025 and 9% in fiscal 2026. Despite persistent wage and commodity inflation, Brinker expanded its S&P-adjusted EBITDA margin by 60 basis points to 18.4% in fiscal 2026, using revenue growth and employee-retention initiatives to offset higher beef and utility costs. $EAT

$EAT Chili's comps rose 10.1% in fiscal Q1, its 22nd straight quarter of growth, and it lapped a 21.4% comp from a year ago. Traffic was up 6.4%, pricing added 3.7%, so this was not just price doing the work. Adjusted EPS was 2.77 dollars vs 2.45 dollars expected, on total revenue of 1.48 billion dollars, up 9.4%. Restaurant operating margin expanded to 17.7%. Full year guidance went up too, adjusted EPS to 13.30 to 13.90 dollars from 12.60 to 13.40 dollars. Maggiano's comps fell 3.4% though, the drag is staying isolated to that one brand.

$EAT reported earnings before the open today. EPS beat estimates: $2.77 vs. $2.45 expected, according to Stock Meadow. What do you think?

$EAT Does Brinker's $0.60 lift to a $13.60 EPS midpoint leave room for another raise after a $2.77 first quarter? 🚀 Brinker, owner of Chili's and Maggiano's and worth about $8.22B at $196.72 at 16:00 ET on October 27, 2026, now sees fiscal 2027 adjusted EPS of $13.30-$13.90, up from $12.60-$13.40, after first-quarter adjusted EPS of $2.77 versus $1.93 a year ago ⚠️ Cash fell to $30.7M from $110.0M and long-term debt and finance leases rose to $451.0M from $419.7M after $125.0M of buybacks, a $27.1M purchase of franchise restaurants and the revolver-funded redemption of the $350.0M 8.25% notes; diluted shares averaged 43.0M versus 45.8M a year earlier, while Maggiano's comparable sales fell 3.4% 📅 Next: Conference call October 28, 2026 at 10 a.m. CDT; annual meeting November 5, 2026 Source: PR Newswire release, Oct 28 + SEC 8-K, Aug 12

$EAT Q1 '27 Earnings Results & Recap • Reported GAAP EPS of $2.77 up 43.52% YoY • Reported revenue of $1.48B up 9.37% YoY • Brinker International updated Fiscal 2027 guidance to total revenues of $6.23-$6.33B and net income per diluted share, excluding special items, of $13.30-$13.90, including a 53rd operating week.

$EAT reports earnings tomorrow before the open. I’m bullish heading into the report: EAT has beaten EPS estimates in 7 of its last 8 reports, according to Stock Meadow. Analysts expect EPS of $2.45. What are you watching for?

Jefferies upgraded Brinker International to Buy from Hold and raised its price target to $255 from $230, arguing that the restaurant operator has completed its restructuring and is now positioned for sustained growth and long-term value creation that the market has yet to fully recognize. The firm compared Brinker’s trajectory with the multiyear transformation of Darden Restaurants, suggesting significant upside potential remains. Adding to the positive outlook, S&P Global Ratings revised Brinker’s credit outlook to Positive from Stable while affirming its BB+ issuer credit rating. The agency highlighted improved leverage, which declined to 1.6x in fiscal 2026 from 1.8x a year earlier, alongside a 60-basis-point expansion in EBITDA margin to 18.4%. Brinker’s commitment to keeping leverage below 2.0x further supports its improving financial position. The bullish developments reflect sustained traffic growth at Chili’s and disciplined financial management. $EAT $JEF

$EAT Chili's has been the star for years. I've not been to one I didn't like nor had a bad time. Let's keep them going!

$EAT Brinker International — The owner of Chili’s raised its full-year guidance, calling for adjusted earnings of $13.30 to $13.90 per share, beating a FactSet consensus estimate for $13.28. The company also lifted its projections for revenue. Shares were last trading 15% higher. https://www.cnbc.com/2026/10/28/stocks-making-the-biggest-moves-midday-wen-wing-ffiv-enph-lh.html

$EAT Jefferies upgrades Brinker Int. From Buy from Hold Price Target 255 from $230 Based on turnaround completion