Brinker International (NYSE:EAT) Hits New 1-Year High – Time to Buy?

Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE:EAT) hit a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $196.71 and last traded at $195.71, with a volume of 145554 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $186.98.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts have recently commented on EAT shares. Weiss Ratings upgraded Brinker International from a “hold (c)” rating to a “hold (c+)” rating in a report on Tuesday, June 16th. Citigroup upped their target price on shares of Brinker International from $189.00 to $227.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Tuesday. KeyCorp increased their price target on shares of Brinker International from $177.00 to $204.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a report on Wednesday, July 15th. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on shares of Brinker International from $205.00 to $207.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Thursday, April 30th. Finally, Stephens initiated coverage on shares of Brinker International in a report on Friday, July 17th. They set an “overweight” rating and a $220.00 price objective on the stock. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $193.25.

Brinker International Trading Up 1.7%

The business has a 50-day moving average price of $164.61 and a 200-day moving average price of $155.02. The company has a quick ratio of 0.35, a current ratio of 0.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05. The firm has a market capitalization of $8.52 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.48, a PEG ratio of 1.16 and a beta of 1.24.

Brinker International (NYSE:EAT) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, April 29th. The restaurant operator reported $2.90 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.85 by $0.05. Brinker International had a return on equity of 123.22% and a net margin of 8.07%.The firm had revenue of $1.47 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $1.47 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $2.66 earnings per share. Brinker International’s quarterly revenue was up 3.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts anticipate that Brinker International, Inc. will post 10.76 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Trading of Brinker International

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Aberdeen Group plc lifted its position in shares of Brinker International by 8.7% during the 4th quarter. Aberdeen Group plc now owns 136,564 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock worth $19,600,000 after buying an additional 10,891 shares during the period. Swedbank AB acquired a new position in Brinker International during the first quarter worth $3,855,000. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Brinker International by 78.0% during the first quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 143,484 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock valued at $20,568,000 after acquiring an additional 62,878 shares during the period. Hsbc Holdings PLC boosted its stake in shares of Brinker International by 155.9% in the 4th quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 33,416 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock valued at $4,803,000 after purchasing an additional 20,356 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Integrated Advisors Network LLC grew its holdings in shares of Brinker International by 357.3% in the 1st quarter. Integrated Advisors Network LLC now owns 7,550 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock worth $1,078,000 after purchasing an additional 5,899 shares during the last quarter.

About Brinker International

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.