EAT Brinker International Inc

Brinker International Announces February Sales DALLAS, March 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE:EAT), announced today comparable store sales increased 2.9 percent for the four-week period ending March 2, 2005. February comparable store sales for Brinker and the four reported brands were as follows: February FY '05 February FY '04 Brinker 2.9% 4.1% Chili's 3.1% 4.2% Macaroni Grill -0.7% 2.4% Maggiano's 3.9% 6.3% On The Border 6.4% 5.3% February price increases and product mix-shifts for Brinker and the four reported brands were as follows: Price Increase Product Mix-Shift Brinker 2.9% 0.5% Chili's 3.2% 0.7% Macaroni Grill 2.2% 1.2% Maggiano's 1.7% -0.4% On The Border 1.4% -1.0% The company estimates February comparable sales were positively impacted by approximately 1 percent due to the calendar shift of Valentine's Day falling on Monday this year versus Saturday last year. Operating results quarter-to-date have been negatively impacted by higher than anticipated cost of sales and restaurant expenses and higher weighted average shares. Therefore, Brinker is revising its third quarter earnings per diluted share to $0.57 to $0.58, excluding impairment and restructure charges and refranchising gains. The third quarter estimate assumes comparable store sales of 2 to 3 percent and weighted average shares of approximately 92 million. Additionally, the company estimates fourth quarter earnings per diluted share to be $0.66 to $0.68, excluding impairment and restructure charges and refranchising gains. The fourth quarter estimate assumes comparable store sales growth of 2 to 3 percent and weighted average shares of approximately 91 million. A recorded message providing perspective on February sales will be available beginning Wednesday, March 9, at 4:30 p.m. EST through Wednesday, March 23, by dialing 1-973-528-0005 and entering pass code 1313. The company will release March sales results along with third quarter earnings results on April 26, 2005. Brinker International either owns, operates, franchises, or is involved in the ownership of 1,545 restaurants under the names Chili's Grill & Bar (1,045 units), Romano's Macaroni Grill (229 units), Maggiano's Little Italy (32 units), On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina (132 units), Corner Bakery Cafe (86 units), and Rockfish Seafood Grill (21 units). The statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and, consequently, could be affected by general business and economic conditions, the impact of competition, the seasonality of the company's business, adverse weather conditions, future commodity prices, fuel and utility costs and availability, terrorist acts, consumer perception of food safety, changes in consumer taste, changes in demographic trends, availability of employees, unfavorable publicity, the company's ability to meet its growth plan, acts of God, governmental regulations, and inflation. Contacts: Louis Adams or Chris Barnes, Media Relations (972) 770-4967 or (972) 770-4959 Lynn Schweinfurth, Investor Relations (972) 770-7228 DATASOURCE: Brinker International, Inc. CONTACT: media relations, Louis Adams, +1-972-770-4967, or Chris Barnes, +1-972-770-4959, or investor relations, Lynn Schweinfurth, +1-972-770-7228, all of Brinker International, Inc. Web site: http://www.brinker.com/

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