Darden Sales Soar 10.4%, Net Income Jumps 24.4% on Chuy's Boost

Ticker: DRI · Form: 10-Q · Filed: 2025-09-26T00:00:00.000Z

Sentiment: bullish

Topics: Restaurant Industry, Earnings Growth, Acquisitions, Strategic Review, Shareholder Returns, Full-Service Dining, Capital Allocation

Related Tickers: DRI, TXRH, EAT, CMG

TL;DR

**DRI is crushing it with strong sales growth and smart acquisitions, making it a solid buy in the restaurant space.**

AI Summary

Darden Restaurants Inc. (DRI) reported a strong financial performance for the quarter ended August 24, 2025, with sales increasing by 10.4% to $3,044.7 million from $2,757.0 million in the prior year. Net earnings rose significantly by 24.4% to $257.8 million, up from $207.2 million, while diluted net earnings per share increased by 25.9% to $2.19 from $1.74. Operating income saw a substantial jump of 26.0% to $339.2 million. The company completed the acquisition of Chuy's Holdings, Inc. for $649.1 million in October 2024, adding 103 restaurants and contributing $267.2 million in goodwill. A notable strategic move included the sale of eight Olive Garden locations in Canada to Recipe Unlimited Corporation on July 14, 2025, resulting in a net gain of $42.0 million on disposal of assets. Darden is also exploring strategic alternatives for its Bahama Breeze brand, which includes 28 owned locations. Cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations increased to $342.5 million from $273.2 million, despite a decrease in cash and cash equivalents to $211.0 million from $240.0 million at the end of the prior fiscal year.

Why It Matters

This strong performance, driven by increased sales and the strategic acquisition of Chuy's, signals Darden's continued market leadership in the full-service dining sector. For investors, the significant increase in net earnings and EPS, coupled with a $42.0 million gain from asset disposal, demonstrates effective capital allocation and operational efficiency. Employees at the acquired Chuy's locations benefit from integration into a larger, stable company, while customers gain from expanded dining options. In a competitive restaurant landscape, Darden's ability to grow both organically and through acquisition, alongside exploring strategic alternatives for underperforming brands like Bahama Breeze, positions it favorably against rivals by optimizing its portfolio and enhancing shareholder value.

Risk Assessment

Risk Level: medium — While Darden shows strong financial performance, the acquisition of Chuy's for $649.1 million introduces integration risks, and the exploration of strategic alternatives for Bahama Breeze (28 locations) indicates potential portfolio volatility. Additionally, the company's retained earnings show a deficit of $(100.6) million as of August 24, 2025, compared to $(16.1) million on May 25, 2025, partly due to $176.6 million in dividends declared and $165.7 million in common stock repurchases, which could impact future financial flexibility.

Analyst Insight

Investors should consider Darden's strong sales and earnings growth, driven by strategic acquisitions like Chuy's, as a positive indicator. However, monitor the integration of Chuy's and the outcome of the Bahama Breeze strategic review for potential impacts on future profitability and operational efficiency. The increased dividend and share repurchases signal confidence but also contribute to the retained earnings deficit, so assess the sustainability of these capital returns.

Financial Highlights

revenue
$3,044.7M
operating Margin
11.1%
total Assets
$12,759.6M
net Income
$257.8M
eps
$2.19
cash Position
$211.0M
revenue Growth
+10.4%

Revenue Breakdown

SegmentRevenueGrowth
Total Sales$3,044.7M+10.4%
Food and beverage costs$929.1M+9.9%
Restaurant labor costs$988.0M+11.1%
Restaurant expenses$504.2M+11.1%
General and administrative expenses$136.1M+7.7%
Depreciation and amortization$135.1M+11.2%

Key Numbers

Key Players & Entities

FAQ

What were Darden Restaurants' key financial highlights for the quarter ended August 24, 2025?

Darden Restaurants reported sales of $3,044.7 million, a 10.4% increase from $2,757.0 million in the prior year. Net earnings grew by 24.4% to $257.8 million, and diluted net earnings per share increased by 25.9% to $2.19.

How did the acquisition of Chuy's impact Darden Restaurants' financial statements?

Darden acquired Chuy's Holdings, Inc. for $649.1 million in October 2024, adding 103 restaurants. This acquisition contributed $267.2 million in goodwill and its operations are included in Darden's consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date.

What strategic decisions did Darden Restaurants make regarding its brand portfolio?

Darden sold eight Olive Garden locations in Canada to Recipe Unlimited Corporation on July 14, 2025, resulting in a $42.0 million net gain. The company is also exploring strategic alternatives for its Bahama Breeze brand, which includes 28 owned locations.

What was Darden Restaurants' cash flow from operating activities for the quarter?

Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations for Darden Restaurants increased to $342.5 million for the three months ended August 24, 2025, up from $273.2 million in the same period last year.

What is the current status of Darden Restaurants' Bahama Breeze brand?

Darden Restaurants announced its decision to explore strategic alternatives for the Bahama Breeze brand, which comprises 28 owned and operated locations and one franchise location. These assets did not meet the criteria to be classified as held for sale as of August 24, 2025.

What were Darden Restaurants' total liabilities and stockholders' equity as of August 24, 2025?

As of August 24, 2025, Darden Restaurants reported total liabilities of $10,534.0 million and total stockholders' equity of $2,225.6 million, summing to total liabilities and stockholders' equity of $12,759.6 million.

How much did Darden Restaurants spend on share repurchases and dividends?

For the three months ended August 24, 2025, Darden Restaurants repurchased $182.7 million of common stock and declared dividends of $1.50 per share, totaling $176.6 million.

What new accounting standards has Darden Restaurants adopted or is evaluating?

Darden adopted ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting, as of May 25, 2025. The company is evaluating ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes, and ASU 2024-03, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income-Expense Disaggregation Disclosures, for future adoption.

What is Darden Restaurants' outlook on climate-related disclosures?

Darden Restaurants is monitoring the status of the SEC's final rules on climate-related disclosures, which were voluntarily stayed and subsequently withdrawn from litigation by the SEC. The company continues to monitor these rules for potential future impact.

What are the primary restaurant brands owned by Darden Restaurants?

Darden Restaurants owns and operates full-service dining restaurants under trade names including Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Chuy's, Yard House, Ruth's Chris Steak House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V's Prime Seafood, Bahama Breeze, and The Capital Burger.

Risk Factors

Industry Context

The full-service dining sector is characterized by intense competition and sensitivity to consumer discretionary spending. Darden operates a diversified portfolio of brands, from casual (Olive Garden, LongHorn) to upscale (Ruth's Chris, The Capital Grille), allowing it to cater to a broad customer base. Industry trends include a focus on value, digital ordering, and efficient operations to manage costs amidst inflation.

Regulatory Implications

Darden faces ongoing regulatory scrutiny related to labor practices, wage laws, and food safety. The company is also monitoring potential changes in environmental disclosure requirements. Compliance with these regulations is critical to maintaining operational integrity and avoiding penalties.

What Investors Should Do

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Key Dates

Glossary

Goodwill
An intangible asset that arises when a company acquires another company for a price greater than the fair value of its net identifiable assets. It represents expected future economic benefits arising from an acquisition. (The acquisition of Chuy's Holdings, Inc. resulted in $267.2 million of goodwill, indicating the premium paid for expected synergies and growth opportunities.)
Diluted net earnings per share
A measure of profitability that accounts for all potential dilutive common shares, such as stock options and convertible securities, that could be exercised or converted into common stock. (Reported at $2.19, an increase of 25.9% from the prior year, reflecting improved profitability on a fully diluted basis.)
Operating income
A company's earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT), representing profit from core business operations. (Increased by 26.0% to $339.2 million, indicating strong operational performance and efficiency.)
Impairments and (gain) loss on disposal of assets, net
Reflects the financial impact of asset write-downs (impairments) or profits/losses realized from selling assets. (Included a net gain of $42.0 million from the sale of Olive Garden locations in Canada.)
Deferred revenue
Revenue that has been received by the company but not yet earned, typically from gift cards or advance payments for services. (Deferred gift card revenue was $588.3 million, representing future sales to be recognized as gift cards are redeemed.)
Operating lease right-of-use assets
Assets recognized under accounting standards for leases, representing the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term. (Totaled $3,608.0 million, reflecting the significant number of leased restaurant locations.)
Comprehensive income
Includes net earnings plus other comprehensive income (OCI), which comprises unrealized gains and losses on certain investments, foreign currency translations, and pension adjustments. (Total comprehensive income was $252.0 million, slightly lower than net earnings due to foreign currency adjustments and derivative changes.)
Cash provided by operating activities
The net amount of cash generated from a company's normal business operations. (Increased to $342.5 million, indicating strong cash generation from ongoing operations.)

Year-Over-Year Comparison

Darden Restaurants Inc. demonstrated robust year-over-year growth in the quarter ended August 24, 2025. Sales increased by 10.4% to $3,044.7 million, and net earnings saw a substantial rise of 24.4% to $257.8 million, with diluted EPS growing by 25.9% to $2.19. Operating income also surged by 26.0%. This performance outpaces the prior year's results, which showed sales of $2,757.0 million and net earnings of $207.2 million, indicating improved operational efficiency and successful strategic initiatives like the Chuy's acquisition.

Filing Stats: 4,624 words · 18 min read · ~15 pages · Grade level 8.2 · Accepted 2025-09-26 16:00:04

Filing Documents

- Financial Information

Part I - Financial Information

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) 4 Consolidated Statements of Earnings 4 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 5 Consolidated Balance Sheets 6 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity 7 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 8

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 10

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 24

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 32

Controls and Procedures

Item 4. Controls and Procedures 32

- Other Information

Part II - Other Information

Legal Proceedings

Item 1. Legal Proceedings 33

Risk Factors

Item 1A. Risk Factors 33

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 33

Other Information

Item 5. Other Information 33

Exhibits

Item 6. Exhibits 34 Signature 35 2 Table of Contents Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Statements set forth in or incorporated into this report that are not historical facts, including without limitation statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of Darden Restaurants, Inc. and its subsidiaries that are preceded by, followed by or that include words such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," "continue," "estimate," "project," "believe," "plan", "outlook" or similar expressions, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This statement is included for purposes of complying with the safe harbor provisions of that Act. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made, and we undertake no obligation to update such statements for any reason to reflect events or circumstances arising after such date. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The most significant of these uncertainties are described in Darden's Form 10-K, Form 10-Q (including this report) and Form 8-K reports. 3 Table of Contents PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (In millions, except per share data) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended August 24, 2025 August 25, 2024 Sales $ 3,044.7 $ 2,757.0 Costs and expenses: Food and beverage 929.1 846.7 Restaurant labor 988.0 889.3 Restaurant expenses 504.2 453.7 Pre-opening costs 5.9 4.5 Marketing expenses 49.1 44.7 General and administrative expenses 136.1 126.4 Depreciation and amortization 135.1 121.5 Impairments and (gain) loss on disposal of assets, net ( 42.0 ) 1.0 Total operating costs and expenses $ 2,705.5 $ 2,487.8 Operating income 339.2 269.2 Interest, net 45.4 37.1 Earnings before income taxes 293.8 232.1 Income tax expense 35.9 24.5 Earnings from continuing operations $ 257.9 $ 207.6 Losses from discontinued operations, net of tax benefit of $ 0.4 and $ 0.4 , respectively ( 0.1 ) ( 0.4 ) Net earnings $ 257.8 $ 207.2 Basic net earnings per share: Earnings from continuing operations $ 2.21 $ 1.75 Losses from discontinued operations — — Net earnings $ 2.21 $ 1.75 Diluted net earnings per share: Earnings from continuing operations $ 2.19 $ 1.74 Losses from discontinued operations — — Net earnings $ 2.19 $ 1.74 Average number of common shares outstanding: Basic 116.7 118.5 Diluted 117.6 119.2 See accompanying notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements. 4 Table of Contents DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (In millions) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended August 24, 2025 August 25, 2024 Net earnings $ 257.8 $ 207.2 Foreign currency adjustment ( 4.6 ) — Change in fair value of derivatives and amortization of unrecognized gains and losses on derivatives, net of taxes of $ 0.0 and $ 0.5 , respectively ( 1.3 ) 0.2 Net unamortized gain (loss) arising during the period, including amortization of unrecognized net actuarial gain (loss), net of taxes of $ 0.0 and $ 0.1 , respective

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) Note 1. Basis of Presentation Darden Restaurants, Inc. (we, our, Darden or the Company) owns and operates full-service dining restaurants in the United States under the trade names Olive Garden , LongHorn Steakhouse , Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen , Chuy's , Yard House , Ruth's Chris Steak House (Ruth's Chris), The Capital Grille , Seasons 52 , Eddie V's Prime Seafood (Eddie V's), Bahama Breeze , and The Capital Burger . As of August 24, 2025, through subsidiaries, we own and operate all of our restaurants in the United States, except for 5 restaurants we manage through joint venture or other contractual agreements and 85 franchised restaurants. We also have 77 franchised restaurants in operation located in Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, and the Middle East. We have prepared these consolidated financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally presented in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included and are of a normal recurring nature. We operate on a 52/53-week fiscal year which ends on the last Sunday in May. Our fiscal year ending May 31, 2026 will contain 53 weeks of operation. Operating results for interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the full fiscal year. These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes to consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 25, 2025. We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP. The preparation of these financial

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) conditions. The rules also require disclosure of material greenhouse gas emissions and any material climate-related targets and goals. The new rules were scheduled to be effective for annual reporting periods beginning in fiscal year 2026, except for the greenhouse gas emissions disclosures which were scheduled to be effective for annual reporting periods beginning in fiscal year 2027. On April 4, 2024, the SEC issued a voluntary stay on its final rules until legal challenges to the rules are addressed, and on March 27, 2025, the SEC voted to end its defense of the rules and withdrew from the litigation. The Company continues to monitor the status of these rules. In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income-Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses, which requires detailed disclosure amounts for purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, intangible asset amortization, and depreciation, depletion and amortization as part of oil and gas producing activities in each relevant expense caption on the income statement. The ASU requires companies to include amounts already required by GAAP in the same disclosure, provide a qualitative description of remaining amounts not separately disaggregated, and disclose the total selling expenses along with the definition of selling expenses in annual reports. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026. Early adoption is permitted. The amendment should be applied prospectively; however, retrospective application is permitted. Management is currently evaluating this ASU to determine its impact on the Company's disclosures. We plan to adopt the amendment in fiscal 2028. Note 2. Acquisition of Chuy's On October 11, 2024, we acquired 100 percent of the equity interest of Chuy's Holdings, Inc (Chuy's) in an all-cash transa

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) The excess of the purchase price over the aggregate fair value of net assets acquired was allocated to goodwill in the amount of $ 267.2 million. The portion of the purchase price attributable to goodwill represents benefits expected because of the acquisition, including sales and unit growth opportunities in addition to supply-chain and support-cost synergies. The trademark has an indefinite life based on the expected use of the asset and the regulatory and economic environment within which it is being used. The trademark represents a highly respected brand with positive connotations, and we intend to cultivate and protect the use of this brand. Goodwill and indefinite-lived trademarks are not amortized but are reviewed annually for impairment or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. Buildings and equipment are depreciated over a period of 1 - 30 years. As a result of the acquisition and related integration efforts, we incurred expenses of approximately $ 3.6 million ($ 2.7 million, net of tax) during the three months ended August 24, 2025, which are included in general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of earnings. Note 3. Revenue Recognition Deferred revenue liabilities from contracts with customers included on our accompanying consolidated balance sheets was comprised of the following: (in millions) August 24, 2025 May 25, 2025 Unearned revenues Deferred gift card revenue $ 588.3 $ 628.8 Deferred gift card discounts ( 26.2 ) ( 30.1 ) Other 0.6 0.7 Total $ 562.7 $ 599.4 Other liabilities Deferred franchise fees - non-current $ 11.5 $ 5.3 The following table presents a rollforward of deferred gift card revenue: Three Months Ended (in millions) August 24, 2025 August 25, 2024 Beginning balance $ 628.8 $ 620.6 Sale of Olive Garden Canada gift card balances ( 0.4 ) — Activations 121.8 122.4 Redemptions and breakage ( 161.9 ) ( 163.5 ) Ending balance

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) Note 4. Additional Financial Information Supplemental Balance Sheet Information The components of lease assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet were as follows: (in millions) Balance Sheet Classification August 24, 2025 May 25, 2025 Operating lease right-of-use assets Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 3,608.0 $ 3,555.9 Finance lease right-of-use assets Land, buildings and equipment, net 1,337.4 1,294.2 Total lease assets, net $ 4,945.4 $ 4,850.1 Operating lease liabilities - current Other current liabilities $ 210.9 $ 220.1 Finance lease liabilities - current Other current liabilities 13.1 23.8 Operating lease liabilities - non-current Operating lease liabilities - non-current 3,878.3 3,816.9 Finance lease liabilities - non-current Other liabilities 1,636.4 1,583.8 Total lease liabilities $ 5,738.7 $ 5,644.6 Supplemental Cash Flow Information Cash paid for interest and income taxes were as follows: Three Months Ended (in millions) August 24, 2025 August 25, 2024 Interest, net of amounts capitalized $ 34.4 $ 36.3 Income taxes, net of refunds ( 2.7 ) 4.6 Non-cash investing and financing activities were as follows: Three Months Ended (in millions) August 24, 2025 August 25, 2024 Increase in land, buildings and equipment through accrued purchases $ 55.9 $ 33.8 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities 20.0 7.1 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities 55.6 35.8 Net change in right-of-use assets mainly due to reclassification between categories upon modification 89.3 19.9 We had restricted cash of $ 14.5 million as of August 24, 2025 and May 25, 2025, which represents cash held as security for a standby letter of credit. Restricted cash is included in Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets on our consolidated balance sheet. See Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies, for further details around s

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) potential impacts on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows as additional guidance from the OBBBA is issued. Note 6. Net Earnings per Share Outstanding stock options, restricted stock and equity-settled performance stock units granted by us represent the only dilutive effect reflected in diluted weighted average shares outstanding, none of which impact the numerator of the diluted net earnings per share computation. Stock options, restricted stock and equity-settled performance stock units excluded from the calculation of diluted net earnings per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive, were as follows: Three Months Ended (in millions) August 24, 2025 August 25, 2024 Anti-dilutive stock-based compensation awards — 0.3 Note 7. Segment Information We manage our restaurant brands, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Chuy's, Yard House, Ruth's Chris, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V's, Bahama Breeze, and The Capital Burger in North America as operating segments. The brands operate principally in the U.S. within full-service dining. We aggregate our operating segments into reportable segments based on a combination of the size, economic characteristics and sub-segment of full-service dining within which each brand operates. We have four reportable segments: (1) Olive Garden, (2) LongHorn Steakhouse, (3) Fine Dining and (4) Other Business. The Olive Garden segment includes the results of our company-owned Olive Garden restaurants in the U.S and Canada. The LongHorn Steakhouse segment includes the results of our company-owned LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants in the U.S. The Fine Dining segment aggregates our premium brands that operate within the fine-dining sub-segment of full-service dining and includes the results of our company-owned Ruth's Chris, The Capital Grille and Eddie V's restaurants in the U.S. The Other Business segment agg

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