JPMorgan Chase & Co. Forecasts Strong Price Appreciation for Brinker International (NYSE:EAT) Stock

Brinker International (NYSE:EAT) had its price target boosted by investment analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $177.00 to $187.00 in a report issued on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an “overweight” rating on the restaurant operator’s stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co.‘s target price points to a potential upside of 15.67% from the company’s previous close.

Several other research analysts also recently commented on EAT. Weiss Ratings reiterated a “hold (c+)” rating on shares of Brinker International in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Barclays raised their price target on Brinker International from $166.00 to $170.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a report on Thursday. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Brinker International from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a report on Friday, November 28th. TD Cowen began coverage on shares of Brinker International in a research note on Tuesday, January 20th. They set a “buy” rating and a $192.00 target price for the company. Finally, Bank of America raised shares of Brinker International from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $190.00 to $192.00 in a report on Monday, October 6th. Thirteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $188.72.

Brinker International Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:EAT traded up $5.03 during trading on Thursday, reaching $161.67. The stock had a trading volume of 662,791 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,172,788. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.18 billion, a PE ratio of 16.75, a P/E/G ratio of 1.16 and a beta of 1.34. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.53, a current ratio of 0.35 and a quick ratio of 0.29. Brinker International has a 52 week low of $100.30 and a 52 week high of $192.21. The business’s 50-day moving average price is $150.66 and its 200 day moving average price is $144.13.

Brinker International (NYSE:EAT) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 28th. The restaurant operator reported $2.87 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $2.53 by $0.34. Brinker International had a net margin of 7.94% and a return on equity of 164.66%. The firm had revenue of $1.45 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.41 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $2.80 EPS. The company’s revenue was up 6.9% on a year-over-year basis. Brinker International has set its FY 2026 guidance at 1.045-10.850 EPS. As a group, equities analysts predict that Brinker International will post 8.3 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Concord Wealth Partners bought a new stake in shares of Brinker International during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd acquired a new stake in Brinker International in the third quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Allworth Financial LP grew its stake in shares of Brinker International by 105.8% during the second quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 142 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 73 shares during the last quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC bought a new stake in shares of Brinker International during the third quarter worth $26,000. Finally, Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Brinker International during the second quarter worth $34,000.

Brinker International News Summary

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

• Positive Sentiment: Q2 beat: Brinker reported EPS of $2.87 vs. consensus ~$2.53 and revenue of $1.45B vs. ~$1.41B — the core beat on both metrics is the primary catalyst for the rally. Brinker International (EAT) Beats Q2 Earnings and Revenue Estimates
• Positive Sentiment: Raised FY‑2026 outlook: Management updated full‑year guidance, which exceeded prior Street expectations and supports earnings visibility for the year. See company release for details. PR Newswire: Brinker Reports Q2 Results and Updates FY2026 Guidance
• Positive Sentiment: Chili’s outperformance: Company highlighted +9% comp sales this quarter and multi‑year comp strength (2‑year comps ~+43%), with Chili’s driving growth — a structural win for Brinker’s portfolio. Brinker International Q2 Results Presentation
• Positive Sentiment: Positive market/press reaction and technical setup: Coverage from Barron’s/WSJ highlighted the beat and guidance lift; Zacks notes a bullish technical signal (50‑day crossing above 200‑day). These amplify investor interest. Brinker Stock Jumps on Earnings Beat Zacks: Technical Outlook Bright After Golden Cross
• Neutral Sentiment: Earnings call color and strategy: Management discussed unit-level performance, marketing and margin initiatives — useful for medium‑term modeling but not an incremental catalyst beyond the beat/guidance. Earnings Call Transcript
• Neutral Sentiment: Trading context: Today’s move has occurred on below‑average volume, so monitor follow‑through for confirmation of a sustainable trend. (Background trading data referenced.)
• Negative Sentiment: Balance‑sheet and liquidity considerations: Brinker shows high leverage and low short‑term liquidity metrics (low current/quick ratios, debt/equity ~1.5) — a reminder of financial risk if consumer trends weaken.

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.