Cracker Barrel Shares Jump 8% After Q2 Beats With $0.25 EPS
Cracker Barrel's Q2 fiscal 2026 revenue fell 7.9% year-over-year to $874.8 million while adjusted EPS of $0.25 topped estimates. The company narrowed its full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance to $85 million–$100 million and declared a $0.25 quarterly dividend.
1. Q2 Fiscal 2026 Earnings
Cracker Barrel reported Q2 fiscal 2026 revenue of $874.8 million, down 7.9% year-over-year, with comparable restaurant sales falling 7.1% and retail sales declining 9.2%. GAAP net income dropped to $1.3 million from $22.2 million a year earlier, while adjusted EBITDA fell to $38.2 million and adjusted EPS reached $0.25.
2. Updated Fiscal 2026 Guidance
Management narrowed its full-year adjusted EBITDA outlook to $85 million–$100 million from a prior range of $70 million–$110 million, cut commodity inflation assumptions to 2.0%–2.5%, and set capital expenditures at $105 million–$115 million. The board also declared a $0.25 quarterly dividend payable May 13.
3. Share Price Reaction
Shares surged 8.02% in after-hours trading to $33.08 following the earnings release and guidance update, closing the regular session near $30.62. The stock now trades close to its 52-week low of $24.85 with a relative strength index around 38, reflecting recent downward pressure.
4. Strategic Outlook
CEO Julie Masino stated the company is positioned to regain momentum by optimizing operations and controlling costs. Investors will watch same-store sales trends and margin recovery as key indicators for full-year performance.