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Brinker International

Brinker International (EAT) Q1 2026 Earnings

Reported Oct 29, 2025 at 8:06 AM ET · SEC Source

Q1 26 EPS

$1.93

BEAT +8.79%

Est. $1.77

Q1 26 Revenue

$1.35B

BEAT +1.28%

Est. $1.33B

vs S&P Since Q1 26

+43.9%

BEATING MARKET

EAT +55.0% vs S&P +11.0%

Market Reaction

Did EAT Beat Earnings? Q1 2026 Results

Brinker International posted a standout first quarter of fiscal 2026, beating Wall Street on both the top and bottom lines as Chili's Grill & Bar delivered one of the most impressive traffic-driven sales surges in the casual dining sector in recent m… Read more Brinker International posted a standout first quarter of fiscal 2026, beating Wall Street on both the top and bottom lines as Chili's Grill & Bar delivered one of the most impressive traffic-driven sales surges in the casual dining sector in recent memory. The company reported non-GAAP diluted EPS of $1.93, clearing the $1.77 consensus estimate by 8.79%, while revenue of $1.35 billion edged past the $1.33 billion forecast by 1.28% and surged 18.4% year over year. The engine behind those results was Chili's, where comparable restaurant sales climbed 21.4%, powered by a 13.1% increase in guest traffic, a combination that drove restaurant operating margin to 16.2% from 13.5% a year ago. Operating income more than doubled to $117.90 million, reflecting meaningful sales leverage across the cost structure. The gains at Chili's more than offset a soft quarter at Maggiano's, where comparable sales fell 6.4%. Brinker reiterated its full fiscal 2026 guidance, projecting revenues of $5.60 billion to $5.70 billion and non-GAAP diluted EPS of $9.90 to $10.50, signaling confidence in sustaining momentum through tougher year-over-year comparisons ahead.

Key Takeaways

  • • Chili's comparable restaurant sales increased 21.4% driven by 13.1% traffic growth, 4.0% pricing, and 4.3% favorable mix-shift
  • • Menu enhancements and advertising initiatives strengthened value proposition and attracted new guests
  • • Improved restaurant operations driving repeat visits
  • • Restaurant operating margin expanded to 16.2% from 13.5% due to sales leverage
  • • Lower interest expenses reduced from $14.3 million to $10.5 million
  • • FICA tip credit and $11.7 million excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation lowered effective tax rate to 7.5%
24/7 Wall St

EAT YoY Financials

Q1 2026 vs Q1 2025, source: SEC Filings

24/7 Wall St

EAT Revenue by Segment

With YoY comparisons, source: SEC Filings

Q3 25 Q3 26

“Chili's continues to deliver industry leading results with first quarter sales of +21% and traffic of +13%, against a tough macro environment. Our consistent investments in food, service, and atmosphere, combined with strong plans, give us confidence we can build on this growth and successfully lap the high sales comparisons in Q2 & Q3.”

— Kevin Hochman, Q1 2026 Earnings Press Release

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