Brinker Raises Outlook As Chili’s Extends Blazing 20-Quarter Streak

by | Apr 29, 2026 | General

Brinker International Inc. (NYSE:EAT) reported third-quarter results Wednesday, with earnings topping Wall Street expectations and revenue roughly in line with estimates.

Quarterly Sales

The company posted adjusted earnings of $2.90 per share, beating the analyst consensus estimate of $2.87. Revenue was $1.470 billion, in line with the Street view of $1.474 billion.

Comparable restaurant sales increased 3.3% in the quarter, including a 4.0% gain at Chili’s, while Maggiano’s comparable sales declined 4.6%.

Operating income rose to $166.6 million from $156.9 million a year earlier. Operating margin expanded to 11.3% from 11.0%. Adjusted restaurant operating margin fell to 18.4% from 18.9%.

Adjusted EBITDA was $223.7 million, up from $220.6 million a year earlier. The company ended the quarter with $57.1 million in cash and equivalents.

Executive Commentary

CEO Kevin Hochman said Chili’s extended its streak to 20 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth, rising 4% despite lapping a 31% increase a year earlier.

He said demand remained strong and rebounded quickly after weather-related disruptions in January, supported by improvements in food, service and atmosphere, along with a strong value offering.

Hochman said February and March each delivered 5.9% comparable sales growth with positive traffic, while January was weaker due to Winter Storm Fern and fewer operating days.

He added that Chili’s performance reflects a disciplined strategy focused on core fundamentals, menu innovation, value positioning and marketing, which are helping attract new customers and build loyalty.

The company used operating cash flow to pay down its revolver and repurchased $108 million of shares during the quarter.

Outlook

Brinker raised its fiscal 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to a range of $10.60 to $10.85, from a prior outlook of $10.45 to $10.85, compared with analysts’ estimate of $10.69.

The company also updated its fiscal 2026 revenue guidance to $5.78 billion to $5.82 billion, from $5.76 billion to $5.83 billion. Analysts expect $5.809 billion.

EAT Price Action: Brinker International shares were up 3.76% at $134.00 during premarket trading on Wednesday, according to Benzinga Pro data.

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