Group 1 - Beef prices are threatening the profitability of steakhouses, leading to a 6% decline in Texas Roadhouse's stock price after earnings report [1] - Texas Roadhouse missed earnings expectations, indicating potential challenges in maintaining margins amidst rising beef costs [1] Group 2 - The focus on sustained profitability is emphasized, highlighting the importance of strong margins, stable free cash flow, and high returns on invested capital as key drivers of investment returns [1]

VANCOUVER, B.C. – TheNewswire – September 16th, 2025 - Opawica Explorations Inc. (TSXV: OPW) (OTC: OPWEF) (FRA: OE5) (the “Company” or “Opawica”) is pleased to announce a company update on the Bazooka Property The Cadillac-Larder Lake Fault is a significant fault system controlling gold deposits in the southern Abitibi greenstone belt, spanning 250 km from Matachewan in Piché/Larder Lake group and younger metasedimentary rocks of the Hearst, Timiskaming, and Cadillac sedimentary assemblages. The 100-per-ce ...

Core Viewpoint - Darden Restaurants (DRI) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $1.99 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 13.7%, with revenues projected at $3.04 billion, up 10.2% from the previous year [1] Earnings Projections - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised downward by 0.3% in the last 30 days, indicating a reassessment by analysts [1][2] - Changes in earnings projections are crucial for predicting investor reactions and short-term stock price movements [2] Sales Estimates - Analysts estimate 'Sales- Olive Garden' to reach $1.31 billion, indicating a year-over-year change of +7.9% [3] - 'Sales- Other Business' is projected at $665.09 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of +19.7% [4] - 'Sales- Fine Dining' is expected to be $290.21 million, showing a +4.1% change from the prior year [4] - 'Sales- LongHorn Steakhouse' is estimated at $783.54 million, indicating a +9.8% change from the previous year [4] Company-Owned Restaurants - Total company-owned restaurants are expected to reach 2,167, up from 2,040 a year ago [5] - Same-restaurant sales for LongHorn Steakhouse are projected to increase by 5.8%, compared to 3.7% in the previous year [5] - Company-owned restaurants for LongHorn Steakhouse are estimated at 594, up from 577 in the same quarter last year [5] - Olive Garden's company-owned restaurants are expected to be 936, compared to 923 a year ago [6] - Ruth's Chris Steak House is projected at 83, up from 82 last year [6] - Bahama Breeze is expected to have 28 company-owned restaurants, down from 44 in the previous year [6] - Seasons 52 is projected at 43, compared to 44 last year [7] - Eddie V's is expected to remain at 29, unchanged from the previous year [7] Stock Performance - Darden Restaurants shares have increased by +2.5% in the past month, slightly outperforming the +2.3% move of the Zacks S&P 500 composite [8] - The company holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating it is expected to mirror overall market performance in the near future [8]

Market Analysis by covering: FedEx Corporation, General Mills Inc, Darden Restaurants Inc, Lennar Corporation. Read 's Market Analysis on Investing.com ...

Core Viewpoint - Darden Restaurants, Inc. is set to announce its fiscal 2026 first quarter financial results on September 18, 2025, with a conference call scheduled for 8:30 am ET to discuss the results and answer questions [1][2]. Company Information - Darden Restaurants operates a diverse portfolio of restaurant brands, including Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, The Capital Grille, Chuy's, Seasons 52, Eddie V's, and Bahama Breeze [2]. - For further details, the company’s website is www.darden.com [2]. Conference Call Details - The earnings conference call will be accessible live over the internet at the provided link, and participants can also join via telephone by dialing 877-407-9219 [2]. - A replay of the conference call will be available shortly after the live broadcast for those unable to attend [1].

Part I [Business](index=4&type=section&id=Item%201.%20Business) Darden Restaurants operates 2,159 full-service restaurants, focusing on operational excellence and strategic brand management Company-Owned and Franchised Restaurants as of May 25, 2025 | Brand | Owned & Operated | Franchised | Total | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Olive Garden | 935 | 52 | 987 | | LongHorn Steakhouse | 591 | 20 | 611 | | Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen | 181 | 3 | 184 | | Chuy's | 108 | 0 | 108 | | Yard House | 88 | 0 | 88 | | Ruth's Chris | 82 | 76 | 158 | | The Capital Grille | 71 | 2 | 73 | | Seasons 52 | 43 | 0 | 43 | | Eddie V's | 29 | 0 | 29 | | Bahama Breeze | 28 | 1 | 29 | | The Capital Burger | 3 | 0 | 3 | | **Total** | **2,159** | **154** | **2,313** | - On October 11, 2024, Darden acquired **Chuy's Holdings, Inc. for $649.1 million** in total consideration, financed through the issuance of senior notes[18](index=18&type=chunk) - In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, Darden agreed to sell its **eight Canadian Olive Garden restaurants** to Recipe Unlimited, which will operate them as franchises[20](index=20&type=chunk) - The company announced its decision to explore strategic alternatives for the Bahama Breeze brand, including a potential sale or conversion of its **28 locations**[21](index=21&type=chunk) Restaurant Count and Sales Growth (Last 5 Fiscal Years) | Fiscal Year | Total Restaurants | Total Sales (in millions) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 2021 | 1,834 | $7,196.1 | | 2022 | 1,867 | $9,630.0 | | 2023 | 1,914 | $10,487.8 | | 2024 | 2,031 | $11,390.0 | | 2025 | 2,159 | $12,076.7 | - Darden's human capital strategy focuses on employee retention, with **197,924 team members** in fiscal 2025 and an **hourly turnover rate of 67%**, one of the industry's lowest[74](index=74&type=chunk)[75](index=75&type=chunk)[84](index=84&type=chunk) [Risk Factors](index=18&type=section&id=Item%201A.%20Risk%20Factors) The company faces material risks from macroeconomic factors, human capital, health and safety, cybersecurity, and competitive pressures - **Inflation and Macroeconomic Risks**: The company faces pressure from rising costs for food commodities, labor, healthcare, and utilities, with economic slowdowns potentially reducing consumer discretionary spending[125](index=125&type=chunk)[129](index=129&type=chunk)[130](index=130&type=chunk) - **Human Capital Risks**: The ability to attract and retain qualified team members is critical, facing challenges from a competitive labor market, rising minimum wages, and potential changes in immigration laws[133](index=133&type=chunk)[134](index=134&type=chunk) - **Health, Safety, and Cybersecurity Risks**: The business is vulnerable to food-borne illness outbreaks and cybersecurity breaches, which could lead to data loss, operational disruption, and legal liability under evolving privacy laws[138](index=138&type=chunk)[139](index=139&type=chunk)[143](index=143&type=chunk) - **Integration and Strategic Risks**: The successful integration of the Chuy's brand is complex and may not yield anticipated synergies, alongside risks from intense competition, changing consumer preferences, and adverse social media impacts[144](index=144&type=chunk)[151](index=151&type=chunk)[153](index=153&type=chunk) - **Operational and Financial Risks**: A majority of restaurants are in leased properties, creating long-term obligations, with additional exposures to supply chain disruptions, goodwill impairment, tax law changes, and derivative market volatility[157](index=157&type=chunk)[160](index=160&type=chunk)[180](index=180&type=chunk) [Unresolved Staff Comments](index=29&type=section&id=Item%201B.%20Unresolved%20Staff%20Comments) The company reports no unresolved staff comments from the Securities and Exchange Commission - There are no unresolved staff comments[186](index=186&type=chunk) [Cybersecurity](index=29&type=section&id=Item%201C.%20Cybersecurity) Darden manages cybersecurity risk through an ERM framework overseen by the Audit Committee, reporting no material incidents to date - Cybersecurity risk management is integrated into the company's overall ERM program, with oversight provided by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors[187](index=187&type=chunk)[192](index=192&type=chunk) - The company employs a multi-faceted strategy including an incident response plan, regular third-party audits based on the NIST Framework, penetration testing, and cybersecurity awareness training for employees[187](index=187&type=chunk)[188](index=188&type=chunk)[189](index=189&type=chunk) - The cybersecurity program is led by the Chief Information Officer (CIO), who has over 20 years of experience and provides periodic updates to the Audit Committee and the full Board[193](index=193&type=chunk)[195](index=195&type=chunk) - As of the filing date, Darden is not aware of any cybersecurity threats or incidents that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect its business, operations, or financial condition[191](index=191&type=chunk) [Properties](index=31&type=section&id=Item%202.%20Properties) As of May 25, 2025, Darden operated 2,159 restaurants, primarily on leased sites, across the U.S. and Canada Restaurant Property Ownership (as of May 25, 2025) | Property Type | Count | | :--- | :--- | | Owned Sites | 94 | | Leased Sites | 2,065 | | **Total Company-Owned** | **2,159** | Lease Classification | Lease Type | Count | | :--- | :--- | | Land-Only Leases | 1,102 | | Ground and Building Leases | 666 | | Space/In-Line/Other Leases | 297 | | **Total Leased Sites** | **2,065** | [Legal Proceedings](index=31&type=section&id=Item%203.%20Legal%20Proceedings) The company faces ordinary course legal proceedings, which management believes will not materially impact its financial position or operations - Darden is subject to ordinary course litigation common to the restaurant industry, including claims from guests and employees[468](index=468&type=chunk) - The company believes that the resolution of current legal matters will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations[468](index=468&type=chunk) [Mine Safety Disclosures](index=31&type=section&id=Item%204.%20Mine%20Safety%20Disclosures) This item is not applicable to the company - Not applicable[198](index=198&type=chunk) Part II [Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities](index=32&type=section&id=Item%205.%20Market%20for%20Registrant%27s%20Common%20Equity%2C%20Related%20Stockholder%20Matters%20and%20Issuer%20Purchases%20of%20Equity%20Securities) Darden's common stock trades on the NYSE (DRI), with recent share repurchases and a new $1 billion program, outperforming market indices - The company's common stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol **DRI**[200](index=200&type=chunk) Share Repurchases for Quarter Ended May 25, 2025 | Period | Total Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid per Share | Maximum Dollar Value Remaining Under Program | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Feb 24 - Mar 30, 2025 | 157,368 | $193.77 | $517.7M | | Mar 31 - Apr 27, 2025 | 53,445 | $196.72 | $507.2M | | Apr 28 - May 25, 2025 | 49,251 | $203.32 | $497.2M | | **Quarter-to-Date** | **260,064** | **$196.19** | **$497.2M** | - On June 18, 2025, the Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program for up to **$1 billion** of its common stock, replacing the previous authorization[202](index=202&type=chunk) - Over the five-year period ending May 2025, a $100 investment in Darden stock grew to **$307.28**, outperforming the S&P 500 (**$205.63**) and the S&P Restaurant Sub-Index (**$179.37**)[203](index=203&type=chunk)[205](index=205&type=chunk) [Reserved](index=34&type=section&id=Item%206.%20Reserved) This item is reserved [Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations](index=34&type=section&id=Item%207.%20Management%27s%20Discussion%20and%20Analysis%20of%20Financial%20Condition%20and%20Results%20of%20Operations) In FY2025, Darden's sales grew 6.0% to $12.08 billion with diluted EPS up 4.1%, projecting continued growth and strong liquidity Fiscal 2025 Financial Highlights vs. Fiscal 2024 | Metric | Fiscal 2025 | Fiscal 2024 | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Sales | $12.08 billion | $11.39 billion | +6.0% | | Diluted EPS (Continuing Ops) | $8.88 | $8.53 | +4.1% | | Net Earnings (Continuing Ops) | $1.05 billion | $1.03 billion | +2.0% | | Blended Same-Restaurant Sales | - | - | +2.0% | - **Fiscal 2026 Outlook**: Total sales growth projected at **7.0% to 8.0%**, same-restaurant sales growth at **2.0% to 3.5%**, and **60 to 65 new restaurant openings**[210](index=210&type=chunk) Segment Sales and Same-Restaurant Sales (SRS) - Fiscal 2025 vs. 2024 | Segment | Sales (FY25, in millions) | % Change from FY24 | SRS % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Olive Garden | $5,212.9 | 2.9% | 1.7% | | LongHorn Steakhouse | $3,025.5 | 7.8% | 5.1% | | Fine Dining | $1,304.8 | 1.0% | (3.0)% | | Other Business | $2,533.5 | 13.8% | 0.2% | Segment Profit Margin - Fiscal 2025 vs. 2024 | Segment | FY25 Profit Margin | FY24 Profit Margin | Change (BP) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Olive Garden | 22.3% | 22.1% | +20 BP | | LongHorn Steakhouse | 19.3% | 18.4% | +90 BP | | Fine Dining | 18.6% | 19.0% | -40 BP | | Other Business | 15.7% | 15.3% | +40 BP | - The company's adjusted debt to EBITDAR ratio was **2.1** as of May 25, 2025, well below the financial covenant requirement of **3.50 to 1.00**[261](index=261&type=chunk) [Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk](index=44&type=section&id=Item%207A.%20Quantitative%20and%20Qualitative%20Disclosures%20About%20Market%20Risk) Darden manages market risks from interest rates, currency, and commodities using derivatives, with a one-year value at risk of $63.3 million for net earnings - The company is exposed to market risks including interest rates, foreign currency, compensation, and commodity prices[271](index=271&type=chunk) - Darden uses derivative instruments like swaps and forwards to hedge these risks[271](index=271&type=chunk) - As of May 25, 2025, the one-year value at risk (95% confidence) for net earnings from changes in equity forwards, commodity instruments, currencies, and floating-rate debt was approximately **$63.3 million**[272](index=272&type=chunk) - The one-year value at risk for the fair value of long-term fixed-rate debt was approximately **$121.1 million**[273](index=273&type=chunk) [Financial Statements and Supplementary Data](index=46&type=section&id=Item%208.%20Financial%20Statements%20and%20Supplementary%20Data) This section presents Darden's consolidated financial statements, including auditor reports and detailed notes on accounting policies, acquisitions, and debt [Reports of Management and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm](index=47&type=section&id=Reports%20of%20Management%20and%20Independent%20Registered%20Public%20Accounting%20Firm) Management asserts effective internal controls, and KPMG issued an unqualified opinion on financial statements, with long-lived asset impairment as a critical audit matter - Management concluded that the company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of May 25, 2025[282](index=282&type=chunk) - KPMG LLP issued an unqualified opinion on the consolidated financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting[285](index=285&type=chunk)[291](index=291&type=chunk) - The critical audit matter identified by KPMG was the evaluation of long-lived assets for impairment, noting the subjective auditor judgment required to evaluate assumptions about future cash flows and useful life[297](index=297&type=chunk) [Consolidated Financial Statements](index=51&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Financial%20Statements) Darden's FY2025 consolidated financial statements show $12.08 billion in sales, $1.05 billion net earnings, and strong cash flow from operations Consolidated Statements of Earnings (in millions, except per share data) | | FY 2025 | FY 2024 | FY 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Sales | $12,076.7 | $11,390.0 | $10,487.8 | | Operating Income | $1,362.3 | $1,314.2 | $1,201.8 | | Earnings from Continuing Operations | $1,051.0 | $1,030.5 | $983.5 | | Net Earnings | $1,049.6 | $1,027.6 | $981.9 | | Diluted Net EPS | $8.86 | $8.51 | $7.99 | Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions) | | May 25, 2025 | May 26, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Current Assets | $937.7 | $822.8 | | Total Assets | $12,587.0 | $11,323.0 | | Total Current Liabilities | $2,247.5 | $2,192.5 | | Total Liabilities | $10,275.7 | $9,080.5 | | Total Stockholders' Equity | $2,311.3 | $2,242.5 | Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in millions) | | FY 2025 | FY 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net Cash from Operating Activities | $1,707.0 | $1,621.7 | | Net Cash used in Investing Activities | $(1,278.3) | $(1,324.6) | | Net Cash used in Financing Activities | $(385.8) | $(483.4) | [Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements](index=57&type=section&id=Notes%20to%20Consolidated%20Financial%20Statements) The notes detail accounting policies, the Chuy's acquisition, segment results, debt, leases, stock-based compensation, and commitments - The acquisition of Chuy's for **$649.1 million** resulted in the recognition of **$268.4 million** in goodwill and **$198.4 million** for the trademark intangible asset[372](index=372&type=chunk)[375](index=375&type=chunk)[377](index=377&type=chunk) Long-Term Debt Components (as of May 25, 2025, in millions) | Note Description | Amount | | :--- | :--- | | 3.850% senior notes due May 2027 | $500.0 | | 4.350% senior notes due October 2027 | $400.0 | | 4.550% senior notes due October 2029 | $350.0 | | 6.300% senior notes due October 2033 | $500.0 | | Other senior notes (2035, 2037, 2048) | $439.1 | | **Total Long-Term Debt** | **$2,189.1** | Lease Liabilities (as of May 25, 2025, in millions) | Lease Type | Current Liability | Non-Current Liability | Total Liability | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Operating Leases | $220.1 | $3,816.9 | $4,037.0 | | Finance Leases | $23.8 | $1,583.8 | $1,607.6 | | **Total** | **$243.9** | **$5,400.7** | **$5,644.6** | - Total stock-based compensation expense for fiscal 2025 was **$79.1 million**, up from **$68.5 million** in fiscal 2024[452](index=452&type=chunk) [Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure](index=85&type=section&id=Item%209.%20Changes%20in%20and%20Disagreements%20with%20Accountants%20on%20Accounting%20and%20Financial%20Disclosure) The company reports no changes in or disagreements with its accountants on accounting or financial disclosure matters - There were no disagreements with accountants on accounting and financial disclosure[470](index=470&type=chunk) [Controls and Procedures](index=85&type=section&id=Item%209A.%20Controls%20and%20Procedures) Management concluded disclosure controls were effective, with no material changes to internal control over financial reporting in the last quarter - Management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the fiscal year[471](index=471&type=chunk) - No material changes were made to the internal control over financial reporting during the last fiscal quarter[472](index=472&type=chunk) [Other Information](index=85&type=section&id=Item%209B.%20Other%20Information) No director or officer adopted, modified, or terminated any Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement during the fourth quarter - No director or officer adopted, modified, or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement during the fourth quarter[473](index=473&type=chunk) Part III [Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance](index=85&type=section&id=Item%2010.%20Directors%2C%20Executive%20Officers%20and%20Corporate%20Governance) Information on directors, executive officers, and corporate governance is incorporated by reference from the 2025 Proxy Statement - This section incorporates by reference information from the company's 2025 Proxy Statement[475](index=475&type=chunk) [Executive Compensation](index=85&type=section&id=Item%2011.%20Executive%20Compensation) Information on executive compensation is incorporated by reference from the company's 2025 Proxy Statement - This section incorporates by reference information from the company's 2025 Proxy Statement[478](index=478&type=chunk) [Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters](index=86&type=section&id=Item%2012.%20Security%20Ownership%20of%20Certain%20Beneficial%20Owners%20and%20Management%20and%20Related%20Stockholder%20Matters) Information on security ownership and equity compensation plans is incorporated by reference from the 2025 Proxy Statement - This section incorporates by reference information from the company's 2025 Proxy Statement[479](index=479&type=chunk) [Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence](index=86&type=section&id=Item%2013.%20Certain%20Relationships%20and%20Related%20Transactions%2C%20and%20Director%20Independence) Information on related party transactions and director independence is incorporated by reference from the 2025 Proxy Statement - This section incorporates by reference information from the company's 2025 Proxy Statement[480](index=480&type=chunk) [Principal Accountant Fees and Services](index=86&type=section&id=Item%2014.%20Principal%20Accountant%20Fees%20and%20Services) Information on principal accountant fees and services is incorporated by reference from the company's 2025 Proxy Statement - This section incorporates by reference information from the company's 2025 Proxy Statement[481](index=481&type=chunk) Part IV [Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules](index=86&type=section&id=Item%2015.%20Exhibits%20and%20Financial%20Statement%20Schedules) This section lists documents filed as part of the Form 10-K, including financial statements under Item 8 and an index of exhibits - All required financial statements are included in Item 8 of the report[484](index=484&type=chunk) - No financial statement schedules are filed with this report[485](index=485&type=chunk) - An index of exhibits filed as part of the Form 10-K is provided, including key agreements and compensatory plans[486](index=486&type=chunk)

Group 1: Stock Buybacks Overview - Stock buybacks are effective for boosting share prices, especially when supported by strong fundamentals [1] - Companies with healthy balance sheets are combining repurchase plans with strategic capital returns to enhance shareholder value [1] Group 2: Collegium Pharmaceuticals - Collegium Pharmaceuticals focuses on pain management and is expected to see growing revenue and improving profitability in 2025 [2] - The company has a share count reduction of 20% year-over-year in Q1 and has authorized a new $150 million share repurchase [3] - Collegium's balance sheet shows increased cash, reduced intangibles, and flat assets, resulting in improved equity and leverage [4] Group 3: Enovix - Enovix initiated a $60 million buyback plan, which is significant as it exceeds the company's 2025 revenue outlook [6] - The company is expected to experience over 300% revenue growth by 2026, supported by improving manufacturing capabilities and market demand [7] - Enovix's balance sheet indicates a solid cash position of $248 million, equal to its total liabilities, allowing for comfortable share repurchases [7][8] Group 4: Thor Industries - Thor Industries has re-authorized a $400 million buyback plan, which represents over 8% of its market cap [11][12] - The company is experiencing growth and widening margins post-pandemic, providing sufficient cash flow to sustain buybacks and dividends [13] Group 5: Darden Restaurants - Darden Restaurants announced a $1 billion share repurchase authorization, representing 3.8% of its shares, alongside a dividend increase [16] - The decision to sell Bahama Breeze is expected to provide a cash injection and allow Darden to focus on its core business [17][18] Group 6: Fifth Third Bancorp - Fifth Third Bancorp reauthorized a buyback plan worth 100 million shares, with no expiration, to reduce share count quarterly [22] - The company has a robust dividend yield of 3.36%, expected to grow at a mid-single-digit pace annually [22] - Analyst sentiment is firming, with a consensus forecast predicting a 10% upside for the stock [23]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights two notable exceptions in dividend raises during a typically quiet period for income investors, focusing on Target and Darden Restaurants as key examples of companies increasing their dividends despite broader market trends [2]. Group 1: Target - Target has raised its quarterly dividend by nearly 2% to $1.14 per share, extending its streak of annual increases to 54 years, qualifying it as a Dividend King [4]. - The company has faced challenges, including a 3% year-over-year decline in first-quarter net sales to just under $24 billion and a significant 36% drop in non-GAAP adjusted net earnings to $1.30 per share [6]. - To address these issues, Target has established an "enterprise acceleration office" aimed at improving operational efficiency and positioning the company for growth [7]. - Online comparable sales have shown resilience, growing nearly 5% in the first quarter, indicating potential for recovery [8]. - The stock is currently undervalued with a PEG ratio slightly over 1, suggesting it may be a strong recovery opportunity [9]. - The new dividend will be paid on September 1 to investors of record as of August 13, offering a yield of 4.7% at the current share price [10]. Group 2: Darden Restaurants - Darden has increased its quarterly dividend by 7% to $1.50 per share, marking a return to regular dividend raises since cutting payouts during the pandemic [11][12]. - The company has shown strong recovery, with total sales rising by 11% year-over-year, aided by the acquisition of Chuy's Tex Mex chain, while same-restaurant sales increased by nearly 5% [14]. - Darden's non-GAAP adjusted net income grew by 9% to over $400 million, exceeding analyst estimates [14]. - For fiscal 2026, Darden anticipates total sales growth of 7% to 8% and same-restaurant sales improvement of 2% to 3.5%, with net income projected between $10.50 and $10.70 per share [15]. - The company has authorized a new stock buyback initiative of up to $1 billion, indicating a commitment to returning capital to shareholders [13]. - The raised dividend will be distributed on August 1 to stockholders of record as of July 10, yielding almost 2.8% at the most recent closing price [16].

Core Insights - Darden Restaurants, referred to as the 'Jewel of FSRs', has been performing exceptionally well recently [1] Financial Performance - Darden Restaurants concluded FY 2025 on a positive note, which began in June 2024 [1]

Core Insights - Darden Restaurants Inc. reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter financial results, with adjusted earnings per share of $2.98, surpassing the analyst consensus estimate of $2.97, and quarterly sales of $3.27 billion, exceeding the consensus estimate of $3.26 billion [1][2] Financial Performance - The company experienced a consolidated same-restaurant sales increase of 4.6%, with Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse rising by 6.9% and 6.7%, respectively. However, Fine Dining saw a decline of 3.3%, while Other Business grew by 1.2% [2] - Darden expects fiscal 2026 adjusted EPS to be between $10.50 and $10.70, which is below the consensus estimate of $10.75. The company projects total sales growth of 7% to 8% for the year [3] Market Reaction - Following the earnings announcement, Darden shares fell by 5.1% to trade at $214.17 [4] Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Analysts have made various adjustments to their price targets for Darden Restaurants: - Stephens & Co. raised the price target from $200 to $212 while maintaining an Equal-Weight rating - Baird raised the price target from $218 to $230 with a Neutral rating - Keybanc increased the price target from $230 to $245 with an Overweight rating - B of A Securities raised the price target from $252 to $253 while maintaining a Buy rating - TD Securities boosted the price target from $215 to $235 with a Hold rating - Barclays raised the price target from $235 to $255 with an Overweight rating - Citigroup increased the price target from $245 to $253 while maintaining a Buy rating [6]