Brinker profit fell

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Brinker International Inc (EAT.N), owner and operator of Chili's Grill & Bar and other restaurant chains, said on Tuesday that quarterly profit fell sharply, hurt by discontinued operations, higher ingredient costs and lower sales.

Brinker had net profit of $42.6 million, or 41 cents per share, in its fiscal fourth quarter, which ended on June 25, compared to $83.6 million, or 71 cents per share, a year earlier.

Excluding special items, the company earned 50 cents per share.

Brinker is trying to sell its Romano's Macaroni Grill chain and now classifies its results as discontinued operations.

(Reporting by Martinne Geller; Editing by Derek Caney)