Robert W. Baird initiated coverage on shares of Brinker International (NYSE:EAT – Free Report) in a report released on Monday, MarketBeat.com reports. The firm issued an outperform rating and a $325.00 price objective on the restaurant operator’s stock.
A number of other research firms also recently weighed in on EAT. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on Brinker International from $220.00 to $280.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a report on Thursday, August 13th. BMO Capital Markets increased their target price on Brinker International from $175.00 to $230.00 and gave the stock a “market perform” rating in a report on Thursday, August 13th. Citigroup increased their target price on Brinker International from $227.00 to $282.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Thursday, August 13th. KeyCorp boosted their price target on Brinker International from $204.00 to $275.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research note on Thursday, August 13th. Finally, Piper Sandler upped their price target on Brinker International from $166.00 to $240.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research report on Monday, August 17th. Seventeen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $242.19.
Brinker International Trading Down 3.3%
Brinker International (NYSE:EAT – Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 12th. The restaurant operator reported $3.07 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.09 by ($0.02). The company had revenue of $1.54 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.53 billion. Brinker International had a return on equity of 122.35% and a net margin of 8.39%.The business’s revenue for the quarter was up 5.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $2.30 earnings per share. Brinker International has set its FY 2027 guidance at 12.600-13.400 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Brinker International will post 13.24 earnings per share for the current year.
Insider Buying and Selling
In other news, SVP James M. Butler sold 10,000 shares of Brinker International stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $240.37, for a total transaction of $2,403,700.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president owned 9,064 shares in the company, valued at $2,178,713.68. The trade was a 52.45% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, EVP Aaron M. White sold 16,220 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $236.22, for a total transaction of $3,831,488.40. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 42,756 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $10,099,822.32. This trade represents a 27.50% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 145,014 shares of company stock worth $34,958,437. 1.43% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.
Institutional Inflows and Outflows
Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of EAT. Deutsche Bank AG lifted its position in shares of Brinker International by 18.0% in the second quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 63,795 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock worth $10,718,000 after purchasing an additional 9,733 shares in the last quarter. Callan Family Office LLC acquired a new position in Brinker International during the second quarter worth $2,258,000. Bank of America Corp DE grew its position in Brinker International by 37.7% in the first quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 242,648 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock valued at $34,643,000 after purchasing an additional 66,383 shares in the last quarter. Cynosure Group LLC bought a new position in Brinker International in the second quarter valued at $766,000. Finally, Swedbank AB bought a new position in Brinker International in the first quarter valued at $3,855,000.
Brinker International News Roundup
Here are the key news stories impacting Brinker International this week:
- Positive Sentiment: Brinker’s latest results showed solid operating momentum: quarterly revenue rose 5.1% year over year to approximately $1.54 billion, while comparable restaurant sales increased 5.0% and Chili’s comparable sales climbed 5.6%. Management also issued fiscal 2027 EPS guidance of $12.60–$13.40 and expanded its share-repurchase authorization to $750 million.
- Positive Sentiment: Robert W. Baird initiated coverage with an “outperform” rating and a $325 price target, offering a bullish view that the company’s growth outlook can support additional upside. Robert W. Baird Initiates Coverage on Brinker International
- Neutral Sentiment: Chili’s launched a promotional “Chili’s Golf Club” activation at DeBell Golf Club in California. The campaign could support brand engagement, but its near-term financial impact is unclear. Chili’s Golf Club announcement
- Negative Sentiment: A recent analyst downgrade to a neutral stance suggested that much of Brinker’s strong earnings news may already be reflected in the stock following its sharp rally. Valuation concerns are more prominent with shares near their 52-week high, while several older analyst targets remain below the current trading level.
- Negative Sentiment: Insider selling is adding short-term pressure. Senior Vice President Daniel S. Fuller sold 1,909 shares for approximately $484,000 on August 25, following other disclosed sales, including SVP James Butler’s 10,000-share sale valued at roughly $2.4 million. Across the past six months, reported insider activity included 15 sales and no purchases. Daniel Fuller insider sale
Brinker International Company Profile
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.
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