Jennison Associates LLC Makes New Investment in Brinker International, Inc. $EAT

Jennison Associates LLC purchased a new position in shares of Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE:EAT) in the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund purchased 5,461 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock, valued at approximately $917,000.

Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd bought a new stake in shares of Brinker International in the third quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Transamerica Financial Advisors LLC increased its position in Brinker International by 570.4% during the fourth quarter. Transamerica Financial Advisors LLC now owns 181 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 154 shares during the period. Allworth Financial LP increased its position in Brinker International by 58.5% during the third quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 225 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 83 shares during the period. Salomon & Ludwin LLC raised its stake in Brinker International by 45.1% during the 4th quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC now owns 299 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock valued at $45,000 after purchasing an additional 93 shares during the last quarter. Finally, First Horizon Corp raised its stake in Brinker International by 116.0% during the 4th quarter. First Horizon Corp now owns 337 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock valued at $48,000 after purchasing an additional 181 shares during the last quarter.

Brinker International Stock Down 0.5%

Shares of EAT stock opened at $237.42 on Friday. Brinker International, Inc. has a one year low of $100.30 and a one year high of $253.71. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.95, a current ratio of 0.45 and a quick ratio of 0.35. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $186.95 and a 200 day moving average price of $160.73. The stock has a market cap of $10.18 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.80, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.34 and a beta of 1.24.

Brinker International (NYSE:EAT) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 12th. The restaurant operator reported $3.07 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.09 by ($0.02). Brinker International had a net margin of 8.39% and a return on equity of 122.35%. The business had revenue of $1.54 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.53 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $2.30 EPS. The company’s quarterly revenue was up 5.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Brinker International has set its FY 2027 guidance at 12.600-13.400 EPS. Analysts predict that Brinker International, Inc. will post 13.07 earnings per share for the current year.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms have issued reports on EAT. BMO Capital Markets raised their price target on shares of Brinker International from $175.00 to $230.00 and gave the stock a “market perform” rating in a research report on Thursday. Barclays upped their price objective on shares of Brinker International from $170.00 to $175.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a research report on Thursday, April 30th. Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of Brinker International from a “hold (c+)” rating to a “buy (b-)” rating in a research note on Tuesday. UBS Group increased their target price on shares of Brinker International from $190.00 to $260.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Monday, August 10th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on Brinker International from $207.00 to $250.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Thursday. Sixteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $234.35.

Trending Headlines about Brinker International

Here are the key news stories impacting Brinker International this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Fiscal fourth-quarter results were broadly encouraging: revenue exceeded expectations, EPS increased 23.3% year over year, and Chili’s delivered strong sales and traffic growth with expanding margins. However, reported EPS was slightly below consensus in the company’s earnings release. Brinker Q4 Earnings Meet Estimates, Revenues Beat on Chili’s Growth
• Positive Sentiment: Management’s fiscal 2027 outlook calls for $12.60-$13.40 in EPS, supported in part by an extra 53rd operating week. Continued Chili’s traffic gains, restaurant reimages and cost control will determine whether the company can meet or exceed that guidance. EAT’s Fiscal 2027 Guidance Gets a Boost From the 53rd Operating Week
• Positive Sentiment: Several firms raised their price targets following the results, including Bank of America to $310 with a Buy rating, Stephens to $300, Citi to $282, Wells Fargo to $280 and KeyCorp to $275. These revisions reflect increased confidence in Chili’s execution and earnings growth.
• Neutral Sentiment: Brinker’s stock has risen 28.7% over the past month and reached a new 52-week high, raising expectations. Investors may now require continued traffic growth, margin delivery and guidance execution for further upside. EAT Jumps 28.7% in a Month
• Negative Sentiment: Northcoast Research downgraded EAT from Buy to Neutral, signaling that the recent rally may have priced in much of the expected improvement.
• Negative Sentiment: Analysts continue to flag elevated valuation, inflation and labor-cost risks, while Maggiano’s slower turnaround could limit consolidated growth. These concerns are contributing to profit-taking despite the favorable operating trends. Is EAT a Buy Now as Chili’s Growth Meets Cost and Valuation Risks?

Brinker International Company Profile

Brinker International, Inc (NYSE: EAT) is a leading global operator of casual dining restaurants. The company’s portfolio is anchored by its flagship Chili’s® Grill & Bar concept and Maggiano’s® Little Italy full‐service restaurants, offering a range of American‐style menu items, handcrafted cocktails and family‐friendly dining experiences. Through dine‐in, takeout, delivery and catering services, Brinker seeks to meet consumer preferences across multiple channels.

The Chili’s brand features signature items such as baby back ribs, burgers and fajitas alongside a rotating selection of limited‐time offerings and seasonal beverages.