The rally was likely magnified by elevated short interest, with 18% of the public float sold short, signaling substantial bearish positioning that may have fueled a squeeze.
Brinker reported adjusted earnings of $3.07 per share, narrowly missing the $3.09 analyst estimate. Total revenue rose to $1.536 billion from $1.462 billion a year earlier, edging past the $1.534 billion estimate.
GAAP net income rose to $131.1 million, or $2.99 per diluted share, from $107 million, or $2.30 per share, a year earlier. Adjusted earnings increased 23% from $2.49 per share.
Chili’s Extends Same-Store Sales Growth
Brinker CEO Kevin Hochman said Chili’s ended fiscal 2026 with five straight years of same-store sales growth, producing a 71% cumulative increase over that period.
