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Darden Restaurants (DRI)
NYSE:DRI

Darden Restaurants (DRI) AI Stock Analysis

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Darden Restaurants

(NYSE:DRI)

Rating:80Outperform
Price Target:
$254.00
▲(21.33%Upside)
Darden Restaurants scores highly due to its strong financial performance and positive earnings call sentiment, which highlight robust growth and strategic expansion. Technical analysis supports a favorable stock trend, while valuation indicates a slightly high price but balanced by a decent dividend yield. Corporate events add to the positive outlook, emphasizing shareholder returns.
Positive Factors
Operational Performance
Management continues to demonstrate strong execution in a challenging environment and is pivoting to a more proactive sales driving approach.
Partnerships and Expansion
There is room for continued share gains as Olive Garden grows its delivery business with Uber Direct.
Strategic Growth
Strategic pivot toward sales growth is seen as a key positive that builds on recent momentum.
Negative Factors
Earnings Guidance
DRI introduced below-consensus FY26 EPS guidance due to macro uncertainty and investments.
Investor Concerns
Investors may have some pause as new targets emphasize investments to drive topline.
Strategic Risks
There is a bit of risk in targeting higher sales and location growth at a time when things are going quite well, and that might give some pause.

Darden Restaurants (DRI) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Darden Restaurants Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionDarden Restaurants, Inc., headquartered in Orlando, Florida, is a premier full-service dining company operating multiple restaurant brands. The company owns and manages a diverse portfolio of restaurant chains, including Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze, and Eddie V's. Darden is renowned for offering a wide range of dining experiences, from casual to fine dining, and is committed to delivering exceptional culinary experiences and hospitality across all its brands.
How the Company Makes MoneyDarden Restaurants generates revenue primarily through the operation of its restaurant chains. The company's income is driven by sales of food and beverages at its numerous locations, with a significant emphasis on providing quality dining experiences that encourage repeat customer visits. Key revenue streams include in-restaurant dining, takeout, and delivery services. Darden leverages its strong brand portfolio to attract a broad customer base, which contributes to steady foot traffic and sales. Additionally, the company benefits from economies of scale in procurement and efficient supply chain management, enhancing profitability. Strategic marketing initiatives and loyalty programs also play a role in driving revenue growth by increasing brand visibility and customer retention.

Darden Restaurants Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Total Company Owned Restaurants
Total Company Owned Restaurants
Chart InsightsDarden Restaurants has significantly expanded its portfolio, with a notable increase in company-owned locations, driven by strategic acquisitions like Chuy's and planned openings. The earnings call highlights robust growth in Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse, which are key contributors to this expansion. However, challenges in the Fine Dining segment and the closure of Bahama Breeze locations indicate a strategic shift in focus. The company's commitment to opening 60 to 65 new restaurants in fiscal 2026 underscores its growth ambitions, aiming for a 10% to 15% total shareholder return.
Data provided by:Main Street Data

Darden Restaurants Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jun 20, 2025
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: -5.36%|
Next Earnings Date:Sep 18, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call reflects a strong performance for Darden Restaurants, with significant sales growth and strategic expansions. Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse showed impressive results, while the Fine Dining segment faced challenges. The company is making strategic decisions to manage its portfolio, including closures and potential sales. The overall sentiment is positive, with a focus on growth and shareholder returns.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Fiscal Year-End Performance
Darden Restaurants reported a 10.6% increase in total sales to $3.3 billion for the fourth quarter, driven by a 4.6% growth in same-restaurant sales and the acquisition of 103 Chuy's restaurants.
Olive Garden's Impressive Growth
Olive Garden's same-restaurant sales grew by 6.9%, outperforming the industry benchmark by 390 basis points. The brand achieved record guest satisfaction scores and saw a 20% increase in takeout sales.
LongHorn Steakhouse Milestone
LongHorn Steakhouse reported a 5.1% increase in same-restaurant sales for the fiscal year, surpassing $3 billion in total sales for the first time.
Positive Financial Metrics
Adjusted diluted net earnings per share increased by 12.5% to $2.98, with adjusted EBITDA reaching $582 million. The company returned $215 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.
Expansion and New Developments
Darden announced plans to open 60 to 65 new restaurants in fiscal 2026, with significant contributions expected from Olive Garden and LongHorn.
Negative Updates
Fine Dining Segment Challenges
The Fine Dining segment experienced negative same-restaurant sales, with continued challenges in urban markets and among households earning below $150,000.
Closure and Sale of Bahama Breeze
Darden decided to close 15 Bahama Breeze locations and is considering strategic alternatives for the remaining 28 restaurants, including a potential sale.
Impact of Uber Direct on Profit Margins
While Uber Direct boosted sales, it also added some cost pressures, with restaurant expenses increasing by 20 basis points due to fees passed on to Uber.
Company Guidance
During Darden Restaurants' Fiscal Year 2025 Q4 earnings call, the company delivered strong results, with total sales increasing by 10.6% to $3.3 billion and same-restaurant sales growing by 4.6%. Olive Garden led the performance with a 6.9% rise in same-restaurant sales, outperforming the industry benchmark by 390 basis points. The brand's successful marketing strategy, including the reintroduction of the "buy one take one" offer, along with a 20% year-over-year growth in takeout sales, contributed significantly to this achievement. LongHorn Steakhouse also showed robust growth, with same-restaurant sales increasing by 6.7% and total sales rising by 9.3%. For fiscal 2026, Darden projects a 7% to 8% increase in total sales, including a 2% to 3.5% rise in same-restaurant sales, while planning to open 60 to 65 new restaurants. The company maintains its commitment to delivering a 10% to 15% total shareholder return by emphasizing sales growth, margin expansion, and shareholder payouts.

Darden Restaurants Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Darden Restaurants demonstrates solid financial performance with strong revenue growth, stable profitability, and efficient cash flow management. The income statement highlights a 6.03% revenue increase and improved net profit margins, while the balance sheet shows a moderate leverage level and robust ROE of 45.39%. The cash flow indicates solid operational efficiency with a strong free cash flow growth.
Income Statement
85
Very Positive
Darden Restaurants has shown strong revenue growth with a 6.03% increase in the TTM compared to the previous year, driven by consistent EBIT and EBITDA margins of 11.28% and 15.18% respectively. The net profit margin improved slightly to 8.69%. The company maintains healthy profitability and growth, positioning itself well within the competitive restaurant industry.
Balance Sheet
78
Positive
The company's debt-to-equity ratio increased slightly to 2.57, indicating a moderate leverage level typical for the industry. The return on equity (ROE) is robust at 45.39%, reflecting efficient use of shareholder funds. The equity ratio remains stable at 18.36%, showing a healthy balance between debt and equity funding.
Cash Flow
82
Very Positive
Darden Restaurants exhibited a strong free cash flow growth of 6.82% in the TTM period. The operating cash flow to net income ratio stands at 1.63, indicating solid operational efficiency. The free cash flow to net income ratio is 1.01, supporting the company's ability to generate cash beyond net income, crucial for reinvestment and debt servicing.
BreakdownJun 2025Jun 2024Jun 2023Jun 2022Jun 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue12.08B11.39B10.49B9.63B7.20B
Gross Profit8.42B2.41B2.08B2.00B1.49B
EBITDA1.70B1.78B1.59B1.54B993.40M
Net Income1.05B1.03B981.90M952.80M629.30M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets12.59B11.32B10.24B10.14B10.66B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments254.50M194.80M367.80M420.60M1.21B
Total Debt5.95B5.43B5.97B5.91B5.76B
Total Liabilities10.28B9.08B8.04B7.94B7.84B
Stockholders Equity2.31B2.24B2.20B2.20B2.81B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow1.71B993.40M951.80M857.00M924.90M
Operating Cash Flow1.71B1.62B1.55B1.26B1.19B
Investing Cash Flow-1.28B-1.32B-568.40M-389.00M-263.70M
Financing Cash Flow-385.80M-483.40M-1.03B-1.61B-478.90M

Darden Restaurants Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price209.34
Price Trends
50DMA
211.20
Negative
100DMA
202.92
Positive
200DMA
186.87
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.19
Positive
RSI
39.87
Neutral
STOCH
7.06
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For DRI, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 209.34 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 217.33, below the 50-day MA of 211.20, and above the 200-day MA of 186.87, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.19 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 39.87 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 7.06 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for DRI.

Darden Restaurants Risk Analysis

Darden Restaurants disclosed 35 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Darden Restaurants reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Darden Restaurants Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
DRDRI
80
Outperform
$24.91B24.0346.16%2.87%6.03%4.08%
76
Outperform
$12.36B28.7433.55%1.45%15.09%31.24%
74
Outperform
$3.18B20.1546.60%1.67%4.42%48.23%
EAEAT
73
Outperform
$7.41B22.78314.08%19.80%117.96%
YUYUM
68
Neutral
$42.35B30.38-19.43%1.90%10.09%-11.50%
64
Neutral
$1.57B20.34-20.16%3.83%-2.77%4.01%
63
Neutral
$16.82B11.32-7.02%2.91%1.72%-24.85%
* Consumer Cyclical Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
DRI
Darden Restaurants
209.34
70.40
50.67%
EAT
Brinker International
165.09
101.40
159.21%
PZZA
Papa John's International
47.02
6.80
16.91%
TXRH
Texas Roadhouse
188.09
20.80
12.43%
CAKE
Cheesecake Factory
64.77
27.02
71.58%
YUM
Yum! Brands
149.79
24.36
19.42%

Darden Restaurants Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesStock BuybackDividendsFinancial Disclosures
Darden Restaurants Reports Strong Q4 and Dividend Increase
Positive
Jun 20, 2025

On June 13, 2025, Dan Kiernan, President of Olive Garden, announced his retirement effective August 31, 2025, with John Wilkerson set to succeed him on September 1, 2025. Darden Restaurants reported a strong fiscal fourth quarter and year-end for 2025, with a 10.6% increase in total sales driven by same-restaurant sales growth and acquisitions. The company also declared a 7.1% increase in its quarterly dividend and authorized a new $1 billion share repurchase program, reflecting its robust financial health and commitment to shareholder value.

The most recent analyst rating on (DRI) stock is a Hold with a $210.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Darden Restaurants stock, see the DRI Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jun 25, 2025