Global Finance News
23 Sep 2026, 14:36
Cracker Barrel Stock Rises 3.4% as Q4 Profit Improves and Fiscal 2027 Outlook Points to Recovery
Cracker Barrel shares rose 3.4% after the company reported better fourth-quarter profitability and issued a fiscal 2027 outlook that points to improving restaurant sales and EBITDA.
Fourth-quarter revenue fell 2.2% to $849.3 million, with comparable restaurant sales down 2.1%, while comparable retail sales increased 0.7%. Despite the softer top line, GAAP net income improved to $12.2 million from $6.8 million, and adjusted EPS rose to $0.99 from $0.74.
Adjusted EBITDA increased to $62.1 million from $55.7 million, helped by approximately $9.1 million of net tariff-refund benefits. The company also strengthened its balance sheet, reducing total debt to $337.2 million from $484.6 million a year earlier. A sale-leaseback transaction generated about $77 million of proceeds that were used for debt reduction.
For fiscal 2027, Cracker Barrel expects revenue of $3.325 billion to $3.4 billion, including comparable restaurant sales growth of 3% to 5%. Adjusted EBITDA is projected at $180 million to $200 million, compared with $147.7 million in fiscal 2026.
The 3.4% gain suggests investors are focusing on the improving traffic trend, stronger quarterly profitability, lower leverage and a 2027 outlook that implies a meaningful recovery in operating performance.
Cracker Barrel shares rose 3.4% after the company reported better fourth-quarter profitability and issued a fiscal 2027 outlook that points to improving restaurant sales and EBITDA.
Fourth-quarter revenue fell 2.2% to $849.3 million, with comparable restaurant sales down 2.1%, while comparable retail sales increased 0.7%. Despite the softer top line, GAAP net income improved to $12.2 million from $6.8 million, and adjusted EPS rose to $0.99 from $0.74.
Adjusted EBITDA increased to $62.1 million from $55.7 million, helped by approximately $9.1 million of net tariff-refund benefits. The company also strengthened its balance sheet, reducing total debt to $337.2 million from $484.6 million a year earlier. A sale-leaseback transaction generated about $77 million of proceeds that were used for debt reduction.
For fiscal 2027, Cracker Barrel expects revenue of $3.325 billion to $3.4 billion, including comparable restaurant sales growth of 3% to 5%. Adjusted EBITDA is projected at $180 million to $200 million, compared with $147.7 million in fiscal 2026.
The 3.4% gain suggests investors are focusing on the improving traffic trend, stronger quarterly profitability, lower leverage and a 2027 outlook that implies a meaningful recovery in operating performance.
