Brinker International (NYSE:EAT) reported financial results for its fiscal third quarter ended March 25, 2026, showcasing the continued strength of its core Chili’s brand in an increasingly competitive casual dining market.
The company posted total revenues of $1,470.2 million, with company sales reaching $1,455.5 million.
Net income for the period was $127.9 million, resulting in a diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.87.
The quarter’s performance was highlighted by a 3.3% increase in company-wide comparable restaurant sales.
This growth was driven primarily by Chili’s Grill & Bar, which saw same-store sales rise 4% as a result of successful marketing initiatives and menu optimization.
Conversely, Maggiano’s Little Italy reported a 4.6% decline in comparable sales, reflecting a shift in consumer spending patterns within the premium casual segment.
Brinker also demonstrated a disciplined approach to capital management during the quarter, utilizing its cash flow to both reward shareholders and strengthen its balance sheet.
The company repurchased $108 million of its common stock and successfully paid down its revolving credit facility, further reducing its interest expense profile.
Based on the strong year-to-date performance, Brinker updated its fiscal 2026 guidance.
The company narrowed its total revenue forecast to a range of $5.78 billion to $5.82 billion.
More significantly, it raised its full-year EPS guidance (excluding special items) to a range of $10.60 to $10.85, up from previous estimates.