Wells Fargo upgrades Brinker on turnaround and valuation

Investing.com --Wells Fargo upgraded Brinker International to Overweight, saying the Chili’s parent has room for a turnaround and offers attractive value after recent share weakness.

The brokerage said Brinker’s fiscal 2026 earnings guidance looks achievable, with management showing confidence in initiatives including new menu items, marketing, technology upgrades and unit expansion.

“Going forward, EAT sees more opportunity to drive further share gains by elevating the guest experience vs. lower menu prices,” analysts added.

Wells Fargo also pointed to buybacks as a driver of earnings growth, and raised its price target to $175 from $165.

Shares of Brinker have fallen about 13% since its fourth-quarter results, compared with a 3% gain for the S&P 500.

Wells Fargo said the stock’s current multiple of about 13 times earnings is too cheap given the potential for improving sales and margins, and compared it with higher valuations at peers such as Cheesecake Factory and Darden.

The analysts said while sentiment on restaurants is broadly cautious due to slowing demand and heavier promotions, Brinker stands out as a value opportunity with idiosyncratic drivers that could help sustain momentum into 2026.

“We upgrade EAT. Resty sentiment is poor, but we see turnaround momentum, ample idiosyncratic drivers&too cheap P/E; Hard compares appear understood&we’d buy this pullback,” analysts at Wells Fargo.

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