Form 4: Brinker CFO Ware Reports Stock Transactions

Brinker International's EVP and CFO, Michaela M. Ware, reported the acquisition of 7,504 shares and the disposition of 2,249 shares for tax withholding purposes.

Summary

• Michaela M. Ware, EVP, Chief Financial Officer of Brinker International, Inc. (EAT), reported transactions on August 19, 2025.
• Acquired 7,504 shares of common stock at a price of $0, likely as part of an equity award or grant.
• Disposed of 2,249 shares of common stock at $156.13 per share. This disposition was coded 'F', indicating shares withheld for tax purposes.
• Following these transactions, direct beneficial ownership stands at 25,467.37 shares of common stock.
• Indirect beneficial ownership includes 3,259.86 units in the Brinker Common Stock Fund under the company's 401(k) Savings Plan as of August 19, 2025.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The filing indicates a routine equity award to the CFO, with a portion of shares sold to cover tax obligations. This is a standard compensation event and suggests continued alignment of executive interests with shareholders, as the CFO's overall beneficial ownership remains substantial.

Positives

• Acquisition of 7,504 shares of common stock at no cost, indicating an equity grant or award to the CFO.
• The CFO continues to hold a significant direct stake of 25,467.37 shares and an indirect stake of 3,259.86 units in the company's 401(k) plan, aligning management's interests with shareholders.

Negatives

• Disposition of 2,249 shares of common stock, although this was for tax withholding purposes related to the equity award, reducing direct beneficial ownership.

Future Outlook

NA

Industry Context

NA

Related Party Transactions

• The reported transactions involve an executive (Michaela M. Ware) and the company (Brinker International, Inc.), which are considered related parties.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The equity grant aligns the CFO's financial interests with shareholder value creation.
• Employees: The 401(k) plan holding indicates a standard employee benefit structure.

Key Dates

Recommendation

This Form 4 filing details routine compensation-related stock transactions by a key executive. The acquisition of shares is an equity grant, and the disposition is for tax withholding, which are common occurrences. It does not provide new information about the company's operational performance, financial health, or strategic direction that would warrant a change in investment recommendation. The CFO's continued significant beneficial ownership suggests ongoing alignment with shareholder interests.

Keywords

Brinker International, EAT, SEC Form 4, Insider Trading, Stock Transactions, Michaela Ware, CFO, Equity Award, Tax Withholding, Beneficial Ownership