Brinker earnings guidance for fiscal 2027 increased on October 28, 2026, after Chili’s comparable restaurant sales rose 10.1% in the fiscal first quarter. The company raised its full-year adjusted earnings forecast to $13.30 to $13.90 per diluted share from $12.60 to $13.40.

Key Takeaways

  • First-quarter company sales rose to $1.46 billion from $1.34 billion a year earlier.
  • Chili’s comparable sales increased 10.1%, while Maggiano’s fell 3.4%.
  • Brinker also raised its full-year revenue guidance and said fiscal 2027 includes an extra operating week.

Brinker earnings and restaurant sales

In its first-quarter results and updated guidance, Brinker reported company sales of $1,461.2 million for the quarter ended September 23, 2026, up from $1,335.4 million a year earlier. Net income rose to $113.3 million from $99.5 million, while diluted earnings per share increased to $2.64 from $2.17.

Earnings per diluted share excluding special items, a non-GAAP measure, were $2.77, compared with $1.93 a year earlier. Comparable restaurant sales across the company rose 9.1%.

Brinker said higher traffic and menu pricing drove Chili’s sales growth. The chain recorded its 22nd consecutive quarter of comparable-sales growth, while sales at Maggiano’s fell as lower traffic outweighed menu pricing.

Full-year guidance includes an extra week

Brinker raised its fiscal 2027 total revenue forecast to $6.23 billion to $6.33 billion, from $6.15 billion to $6.27 billion. The forecasts are management guidance, not completed results.

Fiscal 2027 includes a 53rd operating week in the fourth quarter. Brinker estimates that the additional week will increase total revenue by about 2.0% and adjusted diluted earnings by $0.70 per share.

The company maintained its capital expenditure forecast of $265 million to $285 million.

Costs and cash flow

Brinker said Chili’s restaurant expenses fell as a share of sales primarily because higher sales helped spread costs, partly offset by unfavorable commodity costs and higher hourly labor and other expenses.

Operating cash flow rose to $169.1 million from $120.8 million a year earlier. During the quarter, the company repurchased $125 million of its shares and redeemed $350 million of 8.25% notes using its revolving credit facility.

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