Brinker International (EAT) Q3 2026 earnings summary

Executive summary

• Achieved twentieth consecutive quarter of same-store sales growth at Chili's, up 4% year-over-year, outperforming the casual dining industry by 420-560 basis points, despite weather and holiday headwinds.

• Total revenues for the quarter increased 3.2% year-over-year to $1,470.2 million, driven by higher comparable restaurant sales and new openings, partially offset by lower traffic and closures.

• Net income for the quarter was $127.9 million, up from $119.1 million in the prior year, with diluted EPS rising to $2.87 from $2.56.

• Maggiano's showed sequential improvement after adjusting for holiday and weather impacts, but segment revenues decreased 11.1% due to lower traffic and closures.

• Operational cash flow was used to pay down revolver and repurchase $108 million in stock.

Financial highlights

• Q3 total revenues were $1.47 billion, up 3.2% year-over-year, with consolidated comp sales of +3.3%.

• Adjusted diluted EPS was $2.90, up from $2.66 last year; adjusted EBITDA was $223.7 million, a 1.4% increase year-over-year.

• Restaurant operating margins were 18.4% (vs. 18.9% prior year), impacted by higher food/beverage costs and restaurant expenses, partially offset by sales leverage.

• Net cash provided by operating activities for the thirty-nine weeks was $571.8 million, up from $493.0 million year-over-year.

• Capital expenditures for the quarter were $51.2 million, primarily for maintenance; FY26 projected at $240–$250 million.

Outlook and guidance

• Fiscal 2026 annual revenue guidance updated to $5.78–$5.82 billion; adjusted diluted EPS of $10.60–$10.85.

• Capital expenditures expected at $240–$250 million; weighted average shares 44.7–45 million.

• Guidance assumes low single-digit wage and commodity inflation and a tax rate of ~19%.

• The company plans 33–36 total restaurant openings in fiscal 2026, including 24–27 Chili's international and 3 Maggiano's domestic locations.

• Management expects sufficient liquidity and compliance with debt covenants for at least the next twelve months.