Restaurant earnings will test whether owning more brands pays off

A sign is posted in front of a Chili's restaurant in Rohnert Park, California, on Dec. 13, 2024.Justin Sullivan | Getty ImagesRestaurant stocks have split sharply this year. And it could be tied to how many brands they own.Shares of Brinker International, Darden Restaurants and Restaurant Brands International are up roughly 32%, 18% and 12%, respectively, year to date. Those companies all own more than one restaurant chain, with brands collectively ranging from Chili's to Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Burger King and Tim Hortons.Meanwhile, stocks like McDonald's, Chipotle, Cava, Wendy's, Shake Shack and Domino's have all dropped this year, with several down double-digit percentages. Those companies all have one core chain to their names.Those share moves underscore what some analysts see as the benefits of a diversified restaurant business, especially at a time when any misstep can make cash-strapped consumers go elsewhere when they dine out. Investors will get another look at how operating multiple chains — or not — is affecting performance when major restaurant companies report quarterly results starting next week. One company that could be watching is Inspire Brands, the ow...