Why Brinker International (EAT) Might be Well Poised for a Surge

Investors might want to bet on Brinker International (EAT), as earnings estimates for this company have been showing solid improvement lately. The stock has already gained solid short-term price momentum, and this trend might continue with its still improving earnings outlook.The rising trend in estimate revisions, which is a result of growing analyst optimism on the earnings prospects of this operator of restaurant chains Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy, should get reflected in its stock price. After all, empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements. This insight is at the core of our stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank.The five-grade Zacks Rank system, which ranges from a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive externally-audited track record of outperformance, with Zacks #1 Ranked stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 2008.For Brinker International, there has been strong agreement among the covering analysts in raising earnings estimates, which has helped push consensus estimates considerably higher for the next quarter and full year.Current-Quarter Estimate RevisionsFor the current quarter, the company is expected to earn $1.16 per share, which is a change of +17.17% from the year-ago reported number.Over the last 30 days, five estimates have moved higher for Brinker International compared to no negative revisions. As a result, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased 5.65%.Current-Year Estimate RevisionsThe company is expected to earn $4.85 per share for the full year, which represents a change of +18.29% from the prior-year number.In terms of estimate revisions, the trend for the current year also appears quite encouraging for Brinker International. Over the past month, six estimates have moved higher compared to no negative revisions, helping the consensus estimate increase 20.22%.Favorable Zacks RankThe promising estimate revisions have helped Brinker International earn a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). The Zacks Rank is a tried-and-tested rating tool that helps investors effectively harness the power of earnings estimate revisions and make the right investment decision. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.Our research shows that stocks with Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and 2 (Buy) significantly outperform the S&P 500.Bottom LineWhile strong estimate revisions for Brinker International have attracted decent investments and pushed the stock 28.7% higher over the past four weeks, further upside may still be left in the stock. So, you may consider adding it to your portfolio right away.Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.This top pick is among the most innovative financial firms. With a fast-growing customer base (already 50+ million) and a diverse set of cutting edge solutions, this stock is poised for big gains. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners UpWant the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Brinker International, Inc. (EAT): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks