EAT · Brinker International, Inc.

Brinker International's Q3 fiscal 2026 results demonstrated continued momentum at Chili’s, marking its 20th consecutive quarter of same-store sales growth at 4.0%, driven by improvements in food, service, atmosphere, menu innovation, everyday value, and effective advertising. This offset weaker performance at Maggiano’s, where comparable sales declined 4.6% due to lower traffic and closures, leading to overall company comparable sales growth of 3.3%. Company sales rose to $1,455.5 million from $1,413.0 million, with total revenues at $1,470.2 million. Operating income improved to $166.6 million (11.3% margin), up from $156.9 million (11.0%), while non-GAAP restaurant operating margin slipped slightly to 18.4% from 18.9% due to higher commodity costs, mix, labor, and other expenses at Chili’s, and deleverage at Maggiano’s. Net income increased to $127.9 million, with diluted EPS at $2.87 (GAAP) and $2.90 (non-GAAP). The company used operational cash flow to repay its revolver and repurchase $108 million in stock, signaling confidence in its financial position. Updated FY2026 guidance raised the low end of revenues to $5.78-$5.82 billion from $5.76-$5.83 billion, maintained non-GAAP EPS at $10.60-$10.85, and lowered capex to $240-$250 million, reflecting disciplined capital allocation amid strong Chili’s demand recovery post-weather disruptions.