STOCK TITAN

CRACKER BARREL REPORTS THIRD QUARTER FISCAL 2026 RESULTS AND UPDATES FISCAL 2026 OUTLOOK

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Cracker Barrel (Nasdaq: CBRL) reported Q3 fiscal 2026 revenue of $797.4 million, down 2.9% year over year, with restaurant and retail comparable sales also declining. GAAP EPS was $1.90, boosted by a $47.4 million litigation settlement, while adjusted EPS was $0.29 and adjusted EBITDA $40.3 million.

The company ended the quarter with $486.6 million of debt and $541.3 million in available credit capacity, declared a $0.25 quarterly dividend, and raised fiscal 2026 revenue guidance to $3.27–$3.30 billion and adjusted EBITDA guidance to $120–$125 million.

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AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

Positive

  • Fiscal 2026 revenue outlook raised to $3.27–$3.30 billion from $3.24–$3.27 billion
  • Fiscal 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance increased to $120–$125 million from $85–$100 million
  • $47.4 million cash inflow from interchange fee litigation settlement in Q3
  • Strong liquidity with approximately $541.3 million available under revolving credit facility
  • Ongoing shareholder returns via declared quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share

Negative

  • Q3 revenue declined 2.9% year over year to $797.4 million
  • Comparable restaurant sales fell 2.6% and retail comps fell 1.8% versus prior-year quarter
  • Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $40.3 million from $48.1 million year over year
  • Adjusted diluted EPS declined to $0.29 from $0.58 in the prior-year quarter
  • Debt remains elevated at $486.6 million, with 2026 notes to be repaid via credit facility

News Market Reaction – CBRL

+22.56% 1.7x vol
62 alerts
+22.56% News Effect
+35.2% Peak in 18 hr 5 min
+$201M Valuation Impact
$1.09B Market Cap
1.7x Rel. Volume

On the day this news was published, CBRL gained 22.56%, reflecting a significant positive market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +35.2% during that session. Our momentum scanner triggered 62 alerts that day, indicating high trading interest and price volatility. This price movement added approximately $201M to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $1.09B at that time. Trading volume was above average at 1.7x the daily average, suggesting increased trading activity.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

What This Means

The stock surged +22.6% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with t...
Analysis

The stock surged +22.6% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with the company’s decision to raise fiscal 2026 guidance, taking revenue to $3.27–$3.30B and adjusted EBITDA to $120–$125M. Past earnings and outlook updates have often coincided with favorable moves, though underlying Q3 revenue declined and adjusted EBITDA softened year over year. Investors would need to weigh the sustainability of the outlook against leverage levels and execution on operational initiatives.

Key Figures

Q3 2026 revenue: $797.4M GAAP EPS diluted: $1.90 Adjusted EPS diluted: $0.29 +5 more
8 metrics
Q3 2026 revenue $797.4M Third quarter fiscal 2026 total revenue, down 2.9% year-over-year
GAAP EPS diluted $1.90 Third quarter fiscal 2026 GAAP earnings per diluted share
Adjusted EPS diluted $0.29 Third quarter fiscal 2026 adjusted earnings per diluted share
Litigation benefit $47.4M Benefit from interchange fee litigation settlement recorded in Q3 2026
Adjusted EBITDA $40.3M Q3 2026 adjusted EBITDA vs $48.1M in prior-year quarter
Total debt $486.6M Debt at end of Q3 2026; includes 2026 and 2030 convertible notes
FY26 revenue outlook $3.27–$3.30B Updated fiscal 2026 revenue guidance (prior $3.24–$3.27B)
FY26 adj. EBITDA outlook $120–$125M Updated fiscal 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance (prior $85–$100M)

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: May 26 (Neutral)
Pattern 5 events
Date Event Sentiment 24h Move Catalyst
May 26 Conference call notice Neutral +2.8% Announcement of timing and access details for Q3 earnings call.
May 18 Marketing campaign Positive -4.5% Launch of summer sweepstakes with $250,000 in food and fuel rewards.
May 05 Menu promotion Positive +1.7% Return of limited-time Campfire Meals and related seasonal offerings.
Mar 04 Earnings and outlook Neutral +1.5% Q2 fiscal 2026 results and initial full-year revenue and EBITDA outlook.
Feb 18 Conference call notice Neutral +3.5% Scheduling and access details for fiscal 2026 second-quarter call.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Recent news—including prior earnings, promotions, and conference calls—has more often seen the stock rise than fall, with only one notable negative reaction to a marketing campaign update.

Recent Company History

Over the past several months, Cracker Barrel has mixed operational updates with marketing and investor communications. The March 4, 2026 second-quarter release showed revenue of $874.8M and adjusted EBITDA of $38.2M alongside an initial fiscal 2026 outlook. Subsequent news focused on conference calls, seasonal menu promotions, and a summer sweepstakes. Today’s third-quarter results and upwardly revised fiscal 2026 guidance build directly on that prior outlook and continue the pattern of operational transparency and capital return via a $0.25 dividend.

Regulatory & Risk Context

Short Interest: 27.5%
Short Interest
27.5% of shares outstanding
as of 2026-05-29 Days to cover: 5.76

Key Terms

adjusted ebitda, gaap, non-gaap, convertible senior notes, +2 more
6 terms
adjusted ebitda financial
"Company increases revenue and adjusted EBITDA1,2 guidance"
Adjusted EBITDA is a way companies measure how much money they make from their core operations, like running a business, by removing certain costs or income that aren’t part of regular business activities. It helps investors see how well a company is doing without distractions from unusual expenses or gains, making it easier to compare companies or track performance over time.
gaap financial
"GAAP earnings per diluted share were $1.90, and adjusted1 earnings per diluted share"
GAAP, or Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, are a set of standardized rules and guidelines that companies follow when preparing their financial statements. They ensure consistency, transparency, and comparability across different companies, making it easier for investors to understand and compare financial information accurately. This helps investors make informed decisions based on trustworthy and uniform financial reports.
non-gaap financial
"EBITDA, adjusted net income, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted earnings per diluted share are non-GAAP financial measures."
Non-GAAP refers to financial measures that companies use to show their earnings or performance without including certain expenses or income that are often added back to give a different picture. It matters because it can make a company's results look better or more favorable, but it may also hide important costs, so investors need to look at both GAAP (official rules) and non-GAAP numbers to get a full understanding.
convertible senior notes financial
"0.625% Convertible Senior Notes due June 2026 and $336.8 million of long-term debt related to its 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2030"
Convertible senior notes are a type of loan that a company issues to investors, which can be turned into company shares later on. They are called "senior" because they are paid back before other debts if the company runs into trouble. This allows investors to earn interest like a loan but also have the chance to own part of the company if its value rises.
revolving credit facility financial
"by drawing on its existing revolving credit facility. At the end of the third quarter, the Company had approximately $541.3 million in available capacity"
A revolving credit facility is a type of loan that a business can borrow from whenever it needs money, up to a set limit. It’s like having a credit card for companies—allowing them to borrow, pay back, and borrow again as needed, providing flexibility for managing cash flow or funding short-term expenses.
consolidated senior leverage financial
"Consolidated senior leverage is defined as total debt (other than subordinated debt and unsecured debt) divided by adjusted EBITDA1"
Consolidated senior leverage is a ratio that compares the total amount of a company’s highest-priority (senior) debt across the whole corporate group to its recurring operating earnings, typically measured as EBITDA. It tells investors how many years of current operating earnings would be required to repay that senior debt and so signals credit risk, borrowing capacity and financial flexibility — like comparing a household’s mortgage balance to its annual income.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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Company increases revenue and adjusted EBITDA1,2 guidance

LEBANON, Tenn., June 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. ("Cracker Barrel" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: CBRL) today reported its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2026 ended May 1, 2026.

Cracker Barrel President and Chief Executive Officer Julie Masino said, "Our initiatives to improve operations, deepen guest connection, and enhance profitability continue to gain traction, with strong execution from our teams driving third quarter results that exceeded expectations. We remain focused on serving delicious food and delivering experiences guests love and believe we are well-positioned to sustain this new momentum."

Third Quarter Fiscal 2026 Highlights

  • Total revenue was $797.4 million. Compared to the prior year quarter, total revenue decreased 2.9%.  
    • Compared to the prior year quarter, comparable store restaurant sales decreased 2.6%, and comparable store retail sales decreased 1.8%.
  • GAAP earnings per diluted share were $1.90, and adjusted1 earnings per diluted share were $0.29.
  • GAAP net income was $42.8 million compared to the prior year quarter GAAP net income of $12.6 million. The current year GAAP net income results include a $47.4 million benefit related to a settlement agreement regarding interchange fee litigation.
  • Adjusted EBITDA1 was $40.3 million compared to the prior year quarter adjusted EBITDA1 of $48.1 million.

Third Quarter Ended

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

5/1/26

5/2/25


Revenue

$797,367

$821,147


GAAP net income

$42,811

$12,574


Adjusted net income1

$6,533

$13,123


Adjusted EBITDA1

$40,305

$48,117


GAAP earnings per share – diluted

$1.90

$0.56


Adjusted1 earnings per share – diluted

$0.29

$0.58


Balance Sheet & Capital Allocation

  • During the third quarter, the Company received $47.4 million, net of legal fees, pursuant to a settlement agreement resolving interchange fee litigation. This amount is recorded in the litigation settlement income line on the Consolidated Income Statement.
  • The Company ended the third quarter with total debt of $486.6 million, comprised of $149.9 million of short-term debt related to its 0.625% Convertible Senior Notes due June 2026 and $336.8 million of long-term debt related to its 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2030, with no outstanding borrowings on its credit facility.
  • The Company intends to pay the $149.9 million of short-term debt related to its 0.625% Convertible Senior Notes by its maturity in June 2026 by drawing on its existing revolving credit facility. At the end of the third quarter, the Company had approximately $541.3 million in available capacity under its credit facility.
  • The Company announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share of the Company's common stock. The quarterly dividend is payable on August 12, 2026 to shareholders of record as of July 17, 2026.

Fiscal 2026 Outlook
The Company provided the following updated outlook for fiscal 2026:

  • Total revenue of $3.27 billion to $3.30 billion (vs. previous outlook of $3.24 billion to $3.27 billion)
  • Adjusted EBITDA1 of $120 million to $125 million2 (vs. previous outlook of $85 million to $100 million2)
  • Commodity inflation in the low 2% range (vs. previous outlook of 2.0% to 2.5%)
  • Hourly wage inflation in the low 2% range (vs. previous outlook of 2.5% to 3.0%)
  • Capital expenditures of $105 million to $115 million (no change vs. previous outlook)
  • 2 new Cracker Barrel stores, both of which have opened (no change vs. previous outlook)

1 EBITDA, adjusted net income, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted earnings per diluted share are non-GAAP financial measures. For definitions of these non-GAAP measures and reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures, please refer to the Reconciliation of GAAP-Basis Operating Results to Non-GAAP Operating Results section of this release.

2 The Company has determined to provide guidance focused on adjusted EBITDA1 because the Company believes it will be more useful to investors to evaluate the Company's performance prior to the impact of depreciation, taxes, impairment charges, and other items that management believes are not reflective of the Company's current operations. The Company is not able to reconcile the forward-looking estimate of adjusted EBITDA1 set forth above to a forward-looking estimate of net income, the most directly comparable estimated measure calculated in accordance with GAAP, without unreasonable efforts because the Company is unable to predict, forecast or determine the probable significance of certain items impacting these estimates, including interest expense, taxes, impairment charges and share-based compensation, with a reasonable degree of accuracy. Accordingly, the most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP estimate is not provided.

3 Consolidated senior leverage is defined as total debt (other than subordinated debt and unsecured debt) divided by adjusted EBITDA1 (as defined under our revolving credit facility).

Fiscal 2026 Third Quarter Conference Call
As previously announced, the live broadcast of Cracker Barrel's quarterly conference call will be available to the public online at investor.crackerbarrel.com today beginning at 5:00 p.m. (ET). The online replay will be available tomorrow and through June 23, 2026.

About Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. – rooted in a rich legacy of warmth, generosity, and tradition – is on a mission to bring the goodness of country hospitality to life. Since 1969, when the first store opened in Lebanon, Tenn., Cracker Barrel has been serving up abundant portions of craveable homestyle food and offering one-of-a-kind retail finds. With approximately 660 company-owned Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations in 43 states, and ownership of the fast-casual Maple Street Biscuit Company, the brand continues to honor its heritage while welcoming everyone with more than a meal. For more information, visit CrackerBarrel.com.

CBRL-F

Except for specific historical information, certain of the matters discussed in this press release may express or imply projections of items such as revenues or expenditures, statements of plans and objectives or future operations or statements of future economic performance. These and similar statements regarding events or results that the Company expects will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements concerning matters that involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and performance of the Company to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking information is provided pursuant to the safe harbor established under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and should be evaluated in the context of these risks, uncertainties and other factors. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "trends," "assumptions," "target," "guidance," "outlook," "opportunity," "future," "plans," "goals," "objectives," "expectations," "near-term," "long-term," "projection," "may," "will," "would," "could," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "potential," "regular," "should," "projects," "forecasts," or "continue" (or the negative or other derivatives of each of these terms) or similar terminology.  The Company believes that the assumptions underlying any forward-looking statements are reasonable; however, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore, actual results may differ materially from those projected in or implied by the forward-looking statements.  In addition to the risks of ordinary business operations, factors and risks that may result in actual results differing from this forward-looking information include, but are not limited to risks and uncertainties associated with inflationary conditions with respect to the price of commodities, ingredients, transportation, distribution and labor; disruptions to the Company's restaurant or retail supply chain; effects of changes in international, national, regional and local economic and market conditions (such as the imposition of trade barriers or other changes in trade policy) on our business; the Company's ability to manage retail inventory and merchandise mix; the Company's ability to sustain or the effects of plans intended to improve operational or marketing execution and performance or liquidity; the impact of adverse or extreme weather events on sales and customer travel; the effects of increased competition at the Company's locations on sales and on labor recruiting, cost, and retention; consumer behavior based on negative publicity or changes in consumer health or dietary trends or safety aspects of the Company's food or products or those of the restaurant industry in general, including concerns about outbreaks of infectious disease; the effects of the Company's indebtedness and associated restrictions on the Company's financial and operating flexibility and ability to execute or pursue its operating plans and objectives; changes in interest rates, increases in borrowed capital or capital market conditions affecting the Company's financing costs and ability to refinance its indebtedness, in whole or in part; the Company's reliance on a single distribution facility and certain significant vendors, particularly for foreign-sourced retail products; information technology disruptions and data privacy and information security breaches, whether as a result of infrastructure failures, employee or vendor errors or actions of third parties; the Company's compliance with privacy and data protection laws; changes in or implementation of additional governmental or regulatory rules, regulations and interpretations affecting tax, health and safety, animal welfare, pensions, insurance or other undeterminable areas; the actual results of pending, future or threatened litigation or governmental investigations; or the Company's ability to manage the impact of negative social media attention and the costs and effects of negative publicity; the impact of activist shareholders; the Company's ability to achieve aspirations, goals and projections related to its sustainability initiatives; the Company's ability to enter successfully into new geographic markets that may be less familiar to it; changes in land, building materials and construction costs; the availability and cost of suitable sites for restaurant development and the Company's ability to identify those sites; the Company's ability to retain key personnel; the ability of and cost to the Company to recruit, train, and retain qualified hourly and management employees; uncertain performance of acquired businesses, strategic investments and other initiatives that the Company may pursue from time to time; the effects of business trends on the outlook for individual restaurant locations and the effect on the carrying value of those locations; general or regional economic weakness, business and societal conditions; discretionary income or personal expenditure activity of the Company's customers; implementation of new or changes in interpretation of existing accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"); and other factors described from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, press releases, and other communications. Any forward-looking statement made by the Company herein, or elsewhere, speaks only as of the date on which made. The Company expressly disclaims any intent, obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based.

CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts, percentages and ratios) 



Third Quarter Ended


Nine Months Ended


5/1/26

5/2/25

Percentage
Change


5/1/26

5/2/25

Percentage
Change


Total revenue

$797,367

$821,147

(3 %)


$2,469,372

$2,615,675

(6 %)


Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation & rent)

240,973

247,280

(3)


782,038

816,013

(4)


Labor and other related expenses

302,083

304,781

(1)


919,110

938,342

(2)


Other store operating expenses

198,198

207,486

(4)


644,546

639,059

1


General and administrative expenses

49,393

46,025

7


145,401

167,341

(13)


Impairment and store closing costs

0

718

(100)


3,891

3,869

1


Operating income (loss)

6,720

14,857

(55)


(25,614)

51,051

(150)


Litigation settlement income

(47,422)

0



(47,422)

0



Interest expense

3,668

4,984

(26)


11,425

15,784

(28)


Income before income taxes

50,474

9,873

411


10,383

35,267

(71)


Provision for income taxes (income tax benefit)

7,663

(2,701)

384


(9,088)

(4,358)

(109)


Net income

$42,811

$12,574

240


$19,471

$39,625

(51)











Earnings per share – Basic:

$1.92

$0.56

243


$0.87

$1.78

(51)


Earnings per share – Diluted:

$1.90

$0.56

239


$0.86

$1.77

(51)











Weighted average shares:









    Basic

22,351,318

22,264,782

0


22,328,450

22,246,936

0


    Diluted

22,500,168

22,459,281

0


22,513,419

22,435,317

0











Ratio Analysis









Total revenue:









    Restaurant

82.6 %

82.7 %



81.1 %

80.8 %



    Retail

17.4

17.3



18.9

19.2



Total revenue

100.0

100.0



100.0

100.0



Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation & rent)

30.2

30.1



31.7

31.2



Labor and other related expenses

37.9

37.1



37.2

35.9



Other store operating expenses

24.9

25.3



26.1

24.4



General and administrative expenses

6.2

5.6



5.9

6.4



Impairment and store closing costs

0.0

0.1



0.1

0.1



Operating income (loss)

0.8

1.8



(1.0)

2.0



Litigation settlement income

(5.9)

0.0



(1.9)

0.0



Interest expense

0.4

0.6



0.5

0.7



Income before income taxes

6.3

1.2



0.4

1.3



Provision for income taxes (income tax benefit)

0.9

(0.3)



(0.4)

(0.2)



Net income

5.4 %

1.5 %



0.8 %

1.5 %



 

CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited and in thousands, except share amounts)


5/1/26


5/2/25


Assets





   Cash and cash equivalents

$26,050


$9,814


   Accounts receivable

34,689


37,439


   Inventories

179,935


168,695


   Prepaid expenses and other current assets               

49,878


60,877


   Property and equipment, net

955,860


971,021


   Operating lease right-of-use assets, net

764,571


822,269


   Intangible assets

24,325


24,369


   Other assets

52,569


44,565


           Total assets

$2,087,877


$2,139,049







Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity





   Accounts payable

$131,002


$121,117


   Current portion of long-term debt

149,850


0


   Other current liabilities

299,203


301,916


   Long-term debt

336,783


489,410


   Long-term operating lease liabilities

608,049


653,060


   Other long-term obligations

97,520


104,235


   Shareholders' equity, net

465,470


469,311


          Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

$2,087,877


$2,139,049







Common shares issued and outstanding

22,351,460


22,266,951


 

CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

(Unaudited and in thousands)


Nine Months Ended


5/1/26


5/2/25

Cash flows from operating activities:




             Net income

$19,471


$39,625

             Depreciation and amortization

91,760


90,379

             Amortization of debt issuance costs

1,998


1,329

             Loss on disposition of property and equipment

5,066


6,249

             Impairment

418


3,581

             Share-based compensation

3,186


8,056

             Noncash lease expense

45,735


45,560

             Amortization of asset recognized from gain on sale and leaseback transaction

9,551


9,551

             Decrease in inventories

650


12,263

             Decrease in accounts payable

(38,846)


(41,171)

             Net changes in other assets and liabilities

(46,483)


(58,745)

                           Net cash provided by operating activities

92,506


116,677

Cash flows from investing activities:




             Purchase of property and equipment, net of insurance recoveries

(87,896)


(113,214)

             Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

1,301


1,829

                           Net cash used in investing activities

(86,595)


(111,385)

Cash flows from financing activities:




              Net proceeds from long-term debt

0


11,425

              Taxes withheld from issuance of share-based compensation awards

(1,943)


(1,428)

              Dividends on common stock

(17,561)


(17,510)

                           Net cash used in financing activities

(19,504)


(7,513)





Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

(13,593)


(2,221)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

39,643


12,035

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$26,050


$9,814

 


Third Quarter Ended


5/1/26


5/2/25

Company-owned units opened during quarter:




     Cracker Barrel

1


1

     Maple Street Biscuit Company

0


1





Company-owned units closed during quarter:




     Cracker Barrel

0


0

     Maple Street Biscuit Company

2


0

Company-owned units in operation at end of quarter:




     Cracker Barrel

657


658

     Maple Street Biscuit Company

52


70





Total stores at end of period

709


728

 


Third Quarter Ended


Nine Months Ended


5/1/26


5/2/25


5/1/26


5/2/25

Total revenue*: (In thousands)








      Restaurant

$644,300


$661,945


$1,959,504


$2,061,681

      Retail

138,903


141,695


465,836


502,052

      Total revenue

$783,203


$803,640


$2,425,340


$2,563,733









Cost of goods sold* (exclusive of depreciation
and rent): (In thousands)








      Restaurant

$168,202


$173,431


$523,521


$546,757

      Retail

69,129


69,346


246,824


256,015

      Total cost of goods sold

$237,331


$242,777


$770,345


$802,772









  Average unit volume*: (In thousands)








      Restaurant

$980.7


$1,006.0


$2,984.2


$3,134.8

      Retail

211.4


215.3


709.5


763.4

      Total

$1,192.1


$1,221.3


$3,693.7


$3,898.2

Operating weeks*:

8,541


8,554


25,608


25,649


Note*: This information is for Cracker Barrel stores only and excludes Maple Street Biscuit Company.

CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE, INC.
Reconciliation of GAAP-Basis Operating Results to Non-GAAP Operating Results 
(Unaudited and in thousands, except per share amounts)

Adjusted Net Income and Earnings Per Share
In the accompanying press release, the Company makes reference to adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted earnings (loss) per share. The Company defines adjusted net income (loss) as net income (loss), calculated in accordance with GAAP, excluding, to the extent the following items occurred during the periods presented: (i) impairment charges, and, for periods prior to the second quarter of fiscal 2025, store closing costs, (ii) expenses related to the proxy contest in connection with the Company's 2024 and 2025 annual meeting of shareholders, (iii) expenses associated with the Company's strategic transformation initiative, (iv) a corporate restructuring charge that includes consulting fees related to business model improvement and severance related to a reduction in headcount, (v) a gain on extinguishment of debt related to the Company's repurchase of $150 million aggregate principal amount of its 0.625% convertible senior notes due June 2026, (vi) store closing costs associated with MSBC reorganization, (vii) a benefit of approximately $47 million related to a litigation settlement that occurred in the third quarter of fiscal 2026, and (vii) the related tax impacts of the foregoing. The Company believes excluding these items from its financial results provides investors with an enhanced understanding of the Company's financial results and enhances comparability across periods. The Company calculates adjusted net income (loss) margin by dividing adjusted net income (loss) by consolidated GAAP revenue. The Company calculates adjusted net income (loss) per share by dividing adjusted net income (loss) by weighted average shares outstanding for the applicable period. This information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income (loss) or earnings (loss) per share information prepared in accordance with GAAP.


Third Quarter Ended


Nine Months Ended


5/1/26


Margin


5/2/25


Margin


5/1/26


Margin


5/2/25


Margin


Revenue

$797,367


100 %


$821,147


100 %


$2,469,372


100 %


$2,615,675


100 %



















GAAP net income

42,811


5.4


12,574


1.5


19,471


0.8


39,625


1.5


Strategic transformation initiative expenses

0


0.0


0


0.0


0


0.0


7,263


0.3


Impairment and store closing costs

0


0.0


718


0.1


418


0.0


3,581


0.1


Store closing costs associated with MSBC reorganization

0


0.0


0


0.0


3,095


0.1


0


0.0


Proxy contest expenses

0


0.0


0


0.0


4,072


0.2


8,220


0.3


Corporate restructuring charge

0


0.0


0


0.0


8,743


0.4


0


0.0


Litigation settlement income

(47,422)


(5.9)


0


0.0


(47,422)


(1.9)


0


0.0


Tax impacts of the foregoing

11,144


1.4


(169)


(0.0)


7,307


0.3


(4,480)


(0.2)


Adjusted net income (loss)

$6,533


0.8 %


$13,123


1.6 %


($4,316)


(0.2 %)


$54,209


2.1 %



















GAAP Earnings per share - basic

$1.92




$0.56




$0.87




$1.78




GAAP Earnings per share - diluted

$1.90




$0.56




$0.86




$1.77





















Adjusted Earnings (loss) per share - basic

$0.29




$0.59




($0.19)




$2.44




Adjusted Earnings (loss) per share - diluted

$0.29




$0.58




($0.19)




$2.42





















Weighted average shares - basic

22,351,318




22,264,782




22,328,450




22,246,936




Weighted average shares - diluted

22,500,168




22,459,281




22,513,419




22,435,317




CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE, INC.
Reconciliation of GAAP-Basis Operating Results to Non-GAAP Operating Results 
(Unaudited and in thousands)
EBITDA/Adjusted EBITDA

In the accompanying press release and the below reconciliation tables, the Company makes reference to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA. The Company defines EBITDA as net income, calculated in accordance with GAAP, excluding depreciation and amortization, interest expense and tax expense. The Company further adjusts EBITDA to exclude, to the extent the following items occurred during the periods presented: (i) expenses related to share-based compensation, (ii) impairment charges, and, for periods prior to the second quarter of fiscal 2025, store closing costs, (iii) the proxy contest in connection with the Company's 2024 and 2025 annual meeting of shareholders, (iv) expenses associated with the Company's strategic transformation initiative, (v) a corporate restructuring charge that includes consulting fees related to business model improvement and severance related to a reduction in headcount, (vi) a gain on extinguishment of debt related to the Company's repurchase of $150 million aggregate principal amount of its 0.625% convertible senior notes due June 2026, (vii) store closing costs associated with MSBC reorganization, and (vii) a benefit of approximately $47 million related to a litigation settlement that occurred in the third quarter of fiscal 2026. The Company calculates EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin by dividing EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA by consolidated GAAP revenue. The Company believes that presentation of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA (together with related margin figures) provides investors with an enhanced understanding of the Company's operating performance and debt leverage metrics and enhances comparability with the Company's historical results, and that the presentation of this non-GAAP financial measure, when combined with the primary presentation of net income (loss), is beneficial to an investor's complete understanding of the Company's operating performance. This information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income or net income margin prepared in accordance with GAAP.


Third Quarter Ended

 5/1/26

Margin 


Nine Months Ended
5/1/26

Margin


Revenue

$797,367

100 %


$2,469,372

100 %









GAAP Net income

42,811

5.4


19,471

0.8


 (+) Depreciation & amortization

31,038

3.9


91,760

3.7


 (+) Interest expense

3,668

0.5


11,425

0.5


 (+) Tax expense (tax benefit)

7,663

1.0


(9,088)

(0.4)


EBITDA

$85,180

10.7 %


$113,568

4.6 %


Adjustments







 (+) Share-based compensation

2,547

0.3


3,186

0.1


 (+) Impairment

0

0.0


418

0.0


 (+) Store closing costs associated with MSBC reorganization

0

0.0


3,095

0.1


 (+) Proxy contest expenses

0

0.0


4,072

0.2


 (+) Corporate restructuring charge

0

0.0


8,743

0.4


 (-) Litigation settlement income

(47,422)

(5.9)


(47,422)

(1.9)


Adjusted EBITDA

$40,305

5.1 %


$85,660

3.5 %




Third Quarter Ended

5/2/25

Margin  


Nine Months Ended
5/2/25

Margin

Revenue

$821,147

100 %


$2,615,675

100 %







GAAP Net income

12,574

1.5


39,625

1.5

 (+) Depreciation & amortization

30,991

3.8


90,379

3.5

 (+) Interest expense

4,984

0.6


15,784

0.6

 (+) Tax expense (tax benefit)

(2,701)

(0.3)


(4,358)

(0.2)

EBITDA

$45,848

5.6 %


$141,430

5.4 %

Adjustments






 (+) Share-based compensation

1,551

0.2


8,056

0.3

 (+) Impairment

718

0.1


3,581

0.1

 (+) Proxy contest expenses

0

0.0


8,220

0.3

 (+) Strategic transformation initiative expenses

0

0.0


7,263

0.3

Adjusted EBITDA

$48,117

5.9 %


$168,550

6.4 %

 

Investor Contact:

Adam Hanan


(615) 443-9887



Media Contact:

Heidi Pearce


(615) 235-4135

 

Cracker Barrel logo

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cracker-barrel-reports-third-quarter-fiscal-2026-results-and-updates-fiscal-2026-outlook-302795391.html

SOURCE Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.

FAQ

How did Cracker Barrel (NASDAQ: CBRL) perform in Q3 fiscal 2026?

Cracker Barrel reported lower revenue and adjusted earnings in Q3 fiscal 2026. According to Cracker Barrel, revenue was $797.4 million, down 2.9% year over year, with adjusted EBITDA of $40.3 million and adjusted diluted EPS of $0.29.

Why was Cracker Barrel's Q3 2026 GAAP EPS higher than adjusted EPS for CBRL?

GAAP EPS exceeded adjusted EPS in Q3 2026 due to a litigation benefit. According to Cracker Barrel, GAAP EPS was $1.90, reflecting a $47.4 million interchange fee litigation settlement, while adjusted diluted EPS, excluding this item, was $0.29.

What is Cracker Barrel's updated fiscal 2026 revenue guidance for CBRL?

Cracker Barrel raised its fiscal 2026 revenue outlook. According to Cracker Barrel, full-year revenue is now expected between $3.27 billion and $3.30 billion, compared with a previous range of $3.24 billion to $3.27 billion, signaling slightly higher anticipated sales.

What adjusted EBITDA guidance did Cracker Barrel give for fiscal 2026 (CBRL)?

Cracker Barrel significantly increased its fiscal 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance. According to Cracker Barrel, adjusted EBITDA is now projected at $120 million to $125 million, up from a prior outlook of $85 million to $100 million, reflecting improved profitability expectations.

What dividend did Cracker Barrel announce on June 9, 2026 for CBRL shareholders?

Cracker Barrel declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share. According to Cracker Barrel, the dividend will be paid on August 12, 2026, to shareholders of record as of July 17, 2026, continuing regular shareholder cash returns.

How much debt and liquidity does Cracker Barrel report after Q3 fiscal 2026?

Cracker Barrel reported total debt of $486.6 million and substantial liquidity. According to Cracker Barrel, debt includes $149.9 million of 2026 convertible notes and $336.8 million of 2030 notes, with approximately $541.3 million of available capacity under its revolving credit facility.

How will Cracker Barrel handle its 0.625% Convertible Senior Notes due June 2026 (CBRL)?

Cracker Barrel plans to repay its 2026 convertible notes using its credit facility. According to Cracker Barrel, it intends to pay the $149.9 million short-term debt at maturity in June 2026 by drawing on its existing revolving credit facility.