0940 ET - Restaurant chains have spoken about a stressed consumer this earnings cycle, including Outback Steakhouse owner Bloomin' Brands. The casual-dining chain said in a 4Q earnings call that diners, particularly households with incomes of less than $100,000, are reducing their purchases of appetizers, beverages and desserts when they go out. Geopolitical concerns and weather have impacted consumer spending, the company said. Traffic fell for Bloomin' in 4Q, with sales and adjusted EPS lagging analysts' expectations. Shares fall 16%. (heather.haddon@wsj.com; @heatherhaddon)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
February 26, 2025 09:40 ET (14:40 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.