Core Viewpoint - Brinker International (EAT) has received a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) upgrade due to an upward trend in earnings estimates, indicating a positive outlook for the company's stock price [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Impact - The Zacks rating system emphasizes the importance of changing earnings estimates, which are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements [4][6]. - Rising earnings estimates for Brinker International suggest an improvement in the company's underlying business, likely leading to an increase in stock price [5][10]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - For the fiscal year ending June 2025, Brinker International is expected to earn $8.76 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 113.7% [8]. - Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Brinker International has risen by 5.5%, indicating positive sentiment among analysts [8]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks based on earnings estimate revisions, with only the top 20% of stocks receiving a 'Strong Buy' or 'Buy' rating, highlighting their potential for market-beating returns [9][10]. - Brinker International's upgrade to Zacks Rank 2 places it in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting a favorable outlook for the stock in the near term [10].

Brinker International, Inc. (EAT) stock has risen 21.9% in the past month, outpacing the industry and the S&P 500’s growth of 2.1% and 6.2%, respectively. The ongoing increase in traffic continues to drive the company’s performance. Also, focus on menu adjustments bodes well.Despite this impressive rally, the stock closed at $169.33 yesterday, still well below its 52-week high of $192.22 but far above the 52-week low of $56.27, a remarkable rebound. At the same time, shares of other industry players like Wi ...

Core Insights - Chili's has surpassed Applebee's in U.S. systemwide sales for the first time in 2024, with sales growing from approximately $3.6 billion in 2021 to $4.6 billion in 2024, while Applebee's sales remained flat at $4.1 billion during the same period [1] - In the most recent fiscal quarters, Chili's reported a 31% increase in same-store sales, whereas Applebee's experienced a 2.2% decline, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of declines for Applebee's [2] Company Performance - Dine Brands, the parent company of Applebee's, has seen its share price decline by about 40% over the past year, with analysts suggesting that returning to positive same-store sales could significantly boost the stock [3] - Dine Brands operates as an "asset light business," primarily through franchised restaurants, which limits operational control compared to Chili's, which is mostly company-owned [4] Strategic Initiatives - Dine Brands is planning to remodel all its locations over the next three years and is incentivizing franchisees to adopt these renovations early [6] - The company is also introducing combination restaurants featuring both IHOP and Applebee's, with the first location opened in Seguin, Texas, showing promising sales growth from $2 million to $6 million annually [7][8] Market Outlook - Despite softer traffic in 2024, there is optimism about future growth and success within the Applebee's franchisee community [9]

Core Viewpoint - Brinker International has seen a significant increase in its stock price, rising approximately 22.8% since the last earnings report, outperforming the S&P 500 [1] Group 1: Earnings Report and Stock Performance - The recent earnings report indicates positive trends, with estimates shifting upward by 11.2% over the past month [2] - The stock has received a strong Growth Score of A, but has a lower Momentum Score of C, and a Value Score of B, placing it in the second quintile for value investment strategy [3] Group 2: Future Outlook - The upward trend in estimates suggests a promising outlook for Brinker International, with a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating expectations for an in-line return in the coming months [4]

Core Insights - Brinker International has promoted Aaron White to Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief People Officer, overseeing operations and people strategy for Chili's and Maggiano's [1][2][3] Group 1: Leadership and Experience - Aaron White has a 29-year tenure with Chili's, starting as a server and bartender, and has held various leadership roles, including Co-Chief Operating Officer [4][5] - White has a proven track record in operational improvements and cultural initiatives that have contributed to the brand's success over the past 50 years [4][5] Group 2: Strategic Focus - In her new role, White will focus on enhancing operational efficiency and improving both team member and guest experiences [2][5] - The leadership team under White aims to simplify processes and elevate the restaurant culture, ensuring a rewarding environment for operators and guests alike [5][6] Group 3: Recognition and Reporting Structure - White was recently recognized in the Nation's Restaurant News Power List: Women in Foodservice for her impact on company culture and organizational change [5] - She will continue to report directly to Brinker CEO and President Kevin Hochman [6] Group 4: Company Overview - Brinker International operates over 1,600 restaurants across 29 countries and two U.S. territories, focusing on casual dining with brands like Chili's and Maggiano's [7]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of quantitative research, financial modeling, and risk management in identifying high-growth investment opportunities [1] Group 1: Expertise and Experience - The analyst has over 20 years of experience in equity valuation, market trends, and portfolio optimization [1] - Previous role as Vice President at Barclays involved leading teams in model validation, stress testing, and regulatory finance [1] - The investment approach combines risk management with long-term value creation [1] Group 2: Analytical Focus - The analyst specializes in fundamental and technical analysis, leveraging data-driven insights to assess market dynamics [1] - There is a keen interest in macroeconomic trends, corporate earnings, and financial statement analysis [1]

Group 1 - The quick-service fast food industry is viewed as a potential safe haven during economic downturns and high inflation due to local sourcing of ingredients, which may mitigate the impact of tariffs [1] - Observing megatrends can provide insights into societal advancements and investment opportunities, although identifying these trends can be challenging [1] - The importance of fundamentals, quality of leadership, and product pipeline is emphasized for uncovering investment opportunities, alongside an interest in macrotrends and emerging technologies [1] Group 2 - The focus has been on marketing and business strategy for medium-sized companies and startups, with experience in evaluating startups and emerging industries/technologies [1] - The integration of personal interests in megatrends and technological developments with a strong emphasis on fundamentals and technical analysis is highlighted as crucial for investment decisions [1]

Core Viewpoint - Brinker International's stock price fell nearly 17% over the past week due to a quarterly earnings report that did not meet investor expectations, compounded by several analyst price target cuts [1][6]. Financial Performance - For the fiscal third quarter of 2025, Brinker reported revenue of just under $1.43 billion, marking a 27% year-over-year increase and surpassing the average analyst estimate of $1.37 billion [2]. - The company's GAAP net income more than doubled to $119 million, while non-GAAP adjusted earnings per share rose to $2.66 from $1.24, exceeding the consensus projection of $2.49 [4]. Market Sentiment - Investors are concerned about the impact of the current trade war on the U.S. economy, particularly regarding nonessential spending like restaurant meals, which are often the first to be cut from household budgets during economic tightening [5]. - Analysts from Wells Fargo and Barclays have reduced their price targets for Brinker, with Wells Fargo lowering its target to $150 from $165 and Barclays to $155 from $165, while both maintained hold recommendations [6]. Growth Potential - Despite current market concerns, Brinker has demonstrated impressive growth in a challenging restaurant industry, suggesting that it has the potential to survive and thrive during economic downturns [7].

Core Insights - Brinker International, Inc. (EAT) reported strong third-quarter fiscal 2025 results, with earnings and revenues exceeding expectations, driven by solid fundamentals and increased traffic [1][3][12] - Despite robust performance, the company's shares fell by 14.8% due to economic uncertainty and potential impacts from tariffs on imported goods [2] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter were $2.66, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.48, compared to $1.24 in the prior-year quarter [3] - Total revenues reached $1,425.1 million, exceeding the consensus mark of $1,379 million, marking a 27.2% year-over-year increase [3] Segment Performance Chili's - Chili's segment revenues increased by 30.5% year over year to $1.30 billion, supported by favorable comparable restaurant sales and higher traffic [4] - Company-owned traffic for Chili's rose by 20.9% year over year, with comparable sales increasing by 31.6% [5][6] Maggiano's - Maggiano's sales grew by 0.2% year over year to $121 million, driven by increased menu pricing, although traffic fell by 8.2% [7][8] - Comparable sales in Maggiano's rose by 0.4% year over year, below expectations [7] Operating Results - Total operating costs and expenses were $1.27 billion, up from $1.05 billion in the prior year, with an adjusted restaurant operating margin of 18.9%, an increase from 14.2% [10] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $220.6 million, up from $122.4 million in the prior-year quarter [10] Balance Sheet - As of March 26, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $17.5 million, up from $15.5 million a year earlier, while long-term debt decreased to $518.3 million from $786.3 million [11] Guidance - For fiscal 2025, management raised revenue expectations to $5.33-$5.35 billion from $5.15-$5.25 billion, and EPS guidance was increased to $8.5-$8.75 from $7.5-$8 [12]

Q3 F25 April 29, 2025 SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT $898 $917 $988 $1,073 $1,019 $1,197 $1,292 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Chili's Company Sales F24 F25 $104 $147 $121 $124 $108 $149 $121 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Maggiano's Company Sales F24 F25 During these presentations, and in response to your questions, certain items may be discussed which are not based entirely on historical facts. Any such items should be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Any forw ...