About Us

Laser Focus World is an industry bedrock—first published in 1965 and still going strong. We publish original articles about cutting-edge advances in lasers, optics, photonics, sensors, and quantum technologies, as well as test and measurement, and the shift currently underway to usher in the photonic integrated circuits, optical interconnects, and copackaged electronics and photonics to deliver the speed and efficiency essential for data centers of the future.

Our 80,000 qualified print subscribers—and 130,000 12-month engaged online audience—trust us to dive in and provide original journalism you won’t find elsewhere covering key emerging areas such as laser-driven inertial confinement fusion, lasers in space, integrated photonics, chipscale lasers, LiDAR, metasurfaces, high-energy laser weaponry, photonic crystals, and quantum computing/sensors/communications. We cover the innovations driving these markets.

Laser Focus World is part of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B.

Laser Focus World Membership

Never miss any articles, videos, podcasts, or webinars by signing up for membership access to Laser Focus World online. You can manage your preferences all in one place—and provide our editorial team with your valued feedback.

Magazine Subscription

Can you subscribe to receive our print issue for free? Yes, you sure can!

Newsletter Subscription

A Laser Focus World newsletter subscription is free to qualified professionals:

The Daily Beam

Showcases the newest content from Laser Focus World, including photonics- and optics-based applications, components, research, and trends. (Daily)

Product Watch

The latest in products within the photonics industry. (9x per year)

Bio & Life Sciences Product Watch

The latest in products within the biophotonics industry. (4x per year)

Laser Processing Product Watch

The latest in products within the laser processing industry. (3x per year)

Get Published!

If you’d like to write an article for us, reach out with a short pitch to Sally Cole Johnson: [email protected]. We love to hear from you.

Photonics Hot List

Laser Focus World produces a video newscast that gives a peek into what’s happening in the world of photonics.

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast dives deep into the fascinating world of photonics. Our weekly episodes feature interviews and discussions with industry and research experts, providing valuable perspectives on the issues, technologies, and trends shaping the photonics community.

Social Media

Bluesky • Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube

Meet the Laser Focus World Team

Editorial

Sales

Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
  • James Butler, Ph.D., Hamamatsu
  • Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Ph.D., Columbia University
  • Justin Sigley, Ph.D., AmeriCOM
  • Professor Birgit Stiller, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, and Leibniz University of Hannover
  • Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Glasgow
  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology
My Watchlist
Indicators
Industrial Laser Index
Markets
Stocks
ETFs
Tools
Markets:
Overview
News
Currencies
International
Treasuries

The 5 Most Interesting Analyst Questions From Brinker International’s Q2 Earnings Call

By: StockStory

EAT Cover Image

Brinker International delivered fiscal Q4 2025 results that surpassed Wall Street’s expectations, driven by strong same-store sales growth at Chili’s and considerable improvements in restaurant operating margins. Management credited these results to ongoing menu simplification, targeted operational investments, and upgraded kitchen equipment, all of which enhanced food quality and guest experience. CEO Kevin Hochman emphasized that “Chili’s has now beat the industry in the past 7 quarters on traffic,” attributing sustained performance to a disciplined focus on core menu items and improved labor deployment.

Is now the time to buy EAT? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).

Brinker International (EAT) Q2 CY2025 Highlights:

  • Revenue: $1.46 billion vs analyst estimates of $1.44 billion (21% year-on-year growth, 1.6% beat)
  • Adjusted EPS: $2.49 vs analyst estimates of $2.47 (0.8% beat)
  • Adjusted EBITDA: $212.4 million vs analyst estimates of $208.9 million (14.5% margin, 1.7% beat)
  • Adjusted EPS guidance for the upcoming financial year 2026 is $10.20 at the midpoint, beating analyst estimates by 2.9%
  • Operating Margin: 9.8%, up from 6.1% in the same quarter last year
  • Locations: 1,628 at quarter end, up from 1,614 in the same quarter last year
  • Same-Store Sales rose 19.8% year on year (11.9% in the same quarter last year)
  • Market Capitalization: $6.85 billion

While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention.

Our Top 5 Analyst Questions From Brinker International’s Q2 Earnings Call

  • David Palmer (Evercore ISI) asked about margin expansion drivers and Maggiano’s turnaround. CFO Mika Ware clarified margin expansion is guided at 30–40 basis points, with investments planned in food and labor, and CEO Kevin Hochman described the Maggiano’s strategy as applying Chili’s successful fundamentals.
  • Chris O'Cull (Stifel) inquired about updating long-term growth targets and marketing spend efficiency. Ware reiterated existing growth algorithms remain relevant for now, while Hochman said incremental marketing investment would focus on smaller, high-impact adjustments.
  • Jeff Farmer (Gordon Haskett) questioned traffic, pricing, and mix assumptions in guidance. Ware outlined a more modest pricing approach, with mix expected to be flat and positive traffic as a key focus, even as year-over-year comparisons become tougher.
  • Christine Cho (Goldman Sachs) asked for details on store remodel plans and anticipated returns. Ware explained four pilot remodels are underway, with broader rollout and investment levels to be determined after evaluating initial results.
  • Brian Harbour (Morgan Stanley) probed opportunities for new unit growth and market expansion. Ware noted the strongest historical performance in Texas, Florida, and California but highlighted opportunities in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest as part of the company’s expansion strategy.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

In the coming quarters, our team will be watching (1) the initial impact and guest response to newly remodeled restaurants, (2) the effectiveness of product launches like upgraded ribs and chicken sandwiches in sustaining traffic growth, and (3) the execution of technology upgrades aimed at improving order accuracy and staff efficiency. The pace and success of new unit development will also be a critical signpost for longer-term growth.

Brinker International currently trades at $153.83, in line with $155.09 just before the earnings. At this price, is it a buy or sell? The answer lies in our full research report (it’s free).

The Best Stocks for High-Quality Investors

Donald Trump’s April 2025 "Liberation Day" tariffs sent markets into a tailspin, but stocks have since rebounded strongly, proving that knee-jerk reactions often create the best buying opportunities.

The smart money is already positioning for the next leg up. Don’t miss out on the recovery - check out our Top 6 Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025).

Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Tecnoglass (+1,754% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.

StockStory is growing and hiring equity analyst and marketing roles. Are you a 0 to 1 builder passionate about the markets and AI? See the open roles here.

More News

View More
Etsy Partners With OpenAI—What It Means for Investors Now
Via MarketBeat
Topics Artificial Intelligence
Tickers ETSY
3 Solid Consumer Brands Offering Stability in Volatile Markets
Via MarketBeat
Topics Economy
Tickers AOUT JAKK KO PG SN
Lamb Weston: Is the King of Spuds a Buy or a Dud for 2026?
Via MarketBeat
Tickers LW
Palantir Stock Eyes New Highs, Boosted by Boeing Partnership
Via MarketBeat
Topics Artificial Intelligence
Tickers BA BAC PLTR
Marvell Soars on +$6B in Buybacks—Can the Recovery Continue?
Via MarketBeat
Topics Artificial Intelligence
Tickers AMZN AVGO MRVL
Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.