Zacks Research Has Pessimistic View of EAT FY2027 Earnings

Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE:EAT) – Stock analysts at Zacks Research reduced their FY2027 EPS estimates for shares of Brinker International in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, March 24th. Zacks Research analyst Team now forecasts that the restaurant operator will post earnings of $12.07 per share for the year, down from their previous forecast of $12.23. 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. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Brinker International’s Q4 2027 earnings at $3.60 EPS, Q1 2028 earnings at $2.35 EPS and FY2028 earnings at $12.93 EPS.

Brinker International (NYSE:EAT) last issued its earnings results 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 business had revenue of $1.45 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations 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% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $2.80 earnings per share. Brinker International has set its FY 2026 guidance at 1.045-10.850 EPS.

A number of other research analysts have also weighed in on the stock. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Brinker International from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Saturday, January 31st. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price target on Brinker International from $180.00 to $200.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Thursday, January 29th. Wolfe Research assumed coverage on Brinker International in a report on Monday, March 9th. They issued an “outperform” rating and a $184.00 price target for the company. Mizuho increased their price target on Brinker International from $155.00 to $175.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a report on Friday, January 9th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets lifted their price objective on Brinker International from $140.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock a “market perform” rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Thirteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $186.61.

Brinker International Stock Down 2.7%

Shares of NYSE EAT opened at $133.86 on Friday. Brinker International has a 12-month low of $100.30 and a 12-month high of $187.12. The stock has a market cap of $5.83 billion, a PE ratio of 13.53, a P/E/G ratio of 0.97 and a beta of 1.34. The company has a current ratio of 0.36, a quick ratio of 0.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.19. The company has a 50-day moving average of $151.45 and a 200 day moving average of $141.91.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, EVP Aaron M. White sold 7,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $165.00, for a total value of $1,155,000.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 42,756 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,054,740. This represents a 14.07% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CMO George S. Felix sold 10,431 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $161.00, for a total value of $1,679,391.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief marketing officer owned 8,064 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $1,298,304. The trade was a 56.40% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 97,678 shares of company stock worth $15,700,372. 1.43% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Brinker International

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Allworth Financial LP grew its holdings in shares of Brinker International by 58.5% during the 3rd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 225 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 83 shares during the period. Rezny Wealth Management Inc. increased its position in shares of Brinker International by 0.8% during the 4th quarter. Rezny Wealth Management Inc. now owns 11,738 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock worth $1,685,000 after purchasing an additional 92 shares during the last quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC raised its holdings in Brinker International by 45.1% in the 4th quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC now owns 299 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock valued at $45,000 after buying an additional 93 shares during the period. New Age Alpha Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Brinker International by 4.8% in the 4th quarter. New Age Alpha Advisors LLC now owns 2,047 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock valued at $294,000 after buying an additional 94 shares during the period. Finally, Aviva PLC lifted its position in Brinker International by 2.8% in the fourth quarter. Aviva PLC now owns 4,123 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock valued at $592,000 after buying an additional 112 shares during the last quarter.

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.