Brinker International (EAT) Q1 2026 Earnings
How Did EAT Stock React to Q1 2026 Earnings?
S&P 500 over the same 30 days: −1.04%.
Did EAT Beat Earnings? Q1 2026 Results
Yes. Brinker International reported Q1 2026 earnings of $1.93 a share on Oct 29, 2025, beating the $1.77 consensus estimate by 8.8%. Revenue was $1.3B against a $1.3B estimate.
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.
- 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%
“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.”
Brinker International CEO, on the earnings call
What Was Brinker International's Outlook in Q1 2026?
Brinker reiterated its full fiscal 2026 guidance: total revenues of $5.60 billion to $5.70 billion; non-GAAP diluted EPS of $9.90 to $10.50; capital expenditures of $270.0 million to $290.0 million; and weighted average diluted shares of 45.0 million to 46.0 million. Management expressed confidence in lapping high sales comparisons in Q2 and Q3. The company projects 32-38 new restaurant openings for full year fiscal 2026.
EAT YoY Financials
| Metric | Q1 2026 | Q1 2025 | Year over year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $1.3B | $1.1B | +18.5% |
| Gross Profit | $215.8M | $163.4M | +32.1% |
| Operating Income | $117.9M | $56.4M | +109.0% |
| Net Income | $99.5M | $38.5M | +158.4% |
EAT Revenue by Segment
Figures from SEC filings and company reports. Not investment advice.