Insider Selling: Brinker International (NYSE:EAT) COO Sells 5,000 Shares

Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE:EAT) COO Douglas Comings sold 5,000 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $236.29, for a total value of $1,181,450.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer directly owned 17,527 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $4,141,454.83. The trade was a 22.20% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink.

Brinker International Stock Up 2.1%

Shares of NYSE:EAT traded up $4.96 during trading on Monday, hitting $242.11. 924,214 shares of the company’s stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,172,871. Brinker International, Inc. has a 52 week low of $100.30 and a 52 week high of $253.71. The company has a current ratio of 0.45, a quick ratio of 0.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.95. The company has a market cap of $10.38 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.23, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.32 and a beta of 1.23. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $186.95 and a 200-day moving average price of $160.75.

Brinker International (NYSE:EAT) last issued its quarterly earnings data 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 analyst estimates of $1.53 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $2.30 earnings per share. Brinker International’s revenue for the quarter 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. As a group, research analysts forecast that Brinker International, Inc. will post 13.19 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of brokerages recently commented on EAT. Citigroup raised their price objective on shares of Brinker International from $227.00 to $282.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Thursday. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on Brinker International from $220.00 to $280.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a report on Thursday. Weiss Ratings upgraded Brinker International from a “hold (c+)” rating to a “buy (b-)” rating in a report on Tuesday, August 11th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on Brinker International from $207.00 to $250.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research note on Thursday. Finally, Bank of America boosted their price target on Brinker International from $224.00 to $310.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Friday. Sixteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Brinker International has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $238.05.

Trending Headlines about Brinker International

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

• Positive Sentiment: Momentum remains a key support: EAT rose 5.31% over the past week, and Zacks highlighted the stock as attractive for momentum-focused investors. Brinker International Is Up 5.31% in One Week
• Positive Sentiment: Zacks also cited Brinker’s growth characteristics as reasons the company could outperform the broader market, providing a favorable fundamental narrative for investors. Is Brinker International a Solid Growth Stock?
• Neutral Sentiment: Piper Sandler raised its price target from $166 to $240 while maintaining a Neutral rating. The higher target reflects improved expectations, but it implies limited upside relative to recent trading levels. Piper Sandler Raises Brinker Price Target
• Neutral Sentiment: Analyst sentiment remains a focus for investors, with coverage discussing broker ratings and whether Wall Street expectations justify the stock’s valuation. Brinker International Broker Ratings
• Negative Sentiment: Northcoast Research cut Brinker to Neutral, adding to concerns that the sharp rally may have outpaced near-term fundamental support. Brinker Cut to Neutral at Northcoast Research
• Negative Sentiment: Multiple insiders sold shares, including CEO Kevin Hochman, who sold 40,000 shares worth approximately $9.7 million; EVP sales totaled more than $7.2 million, while the COO, SVP and a director also reduced their holdings. The transactions do not necessarily indicate deteriorating operations, but the breadth and size of the selling may weigh on sentiment.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Transamerica Financial Advisors LLC bought a new position in Brinker International in the second quarter valued at $111,000. Corient Private Wealth LP bought a new stake in Brinker International during the 2nd quarter worth about $362,000. Bank of America Corp DE bought a new stake in Brinker International during the 2nd quarter worth about $39,687,000. Freestone Grove Partners LP acquired a new position in shares of Brinker International during the 2nd quarter worth about $91,237,000. Finally, Man Group plc acquired a new position in shares of Brinker International during the 2nd quarter worth about $7,996,000.

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.