11:02 AM EDT, 08/14/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Brinker International's ( EAT ) strong momentum from fiscal Q4 carries into the start of fiscal 2026, with the company's full-year guidance largely aligned with investor expectations, Morgan Stanley said in a note Thursday.

The brokerage said the momentum is supported by menu initiatives, including a ribs relaunch in Q2 and a chicken sandwich relaunch in H2, along with ongoing marketing efforts and operational improvements such as streamlined menus and new TurboChef ovens.

For fiscal 2026, the company expects non-GAAP net income of $9.90 to $10.50 per diluted share. Analysts surveyed by FactSet expect $9.91. Total revenue for the fiscal year is projected to be between $5.60 billion and $5.70 billion. Analysts polled by FactSet expect $5.64 billion.

Brinker's ( EAT ) double-digit same-store sales and traffic growth in July is indicative of the company's ongoing strength, the brokerage said.

Morgan Stanley added that the company believes it can remain positive throughout fiscal 2026, with plans in place to drive strong traffic in Q2 and Q3.

The brokerage raised its price target on the stock to $161 from $149, while maintaining an equal-weight rating.

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