Group 1: Market Overview - Pre-market futures are up following a 25 basis points interest rate cut by the Fed, with the Dow up +230 points, S&P 500 up +51, Nasdaq up +287, and Russell 2000 up +30 points [1] - Bond yields have slightly increased, with the 10-year yield at +4.08% and the 2-year yield at +3.55% [1] Group 2: Jobless Claims - Initial Jobless Claims spiked to +264K due to a reporting disruption in Texas, marking the highest week of new claims since October 2021, but fell back to +231K for the last week [2] - Continuing Claims have decreased to 1.920 million, the lowest since May, remaining below 1.94 million for two consecutive weeks [3] Group 3: Manufacturing Index - The Philly Fed Index reported its highest monthly tally since January at +23.2, indicating five up-months and four down-months in 2025, contrasting with the negative Empire State Index of -8.7 for the same month [5] Group 4: Earnings Reports - Darden Restaurants (DRI) reported fiscal Q1 earnings of $1.97 per share, missing estimates by 3 cents, but revenues of $3.04 billion exceeded expectations, up from $2.76 billion a year ago [6] - FedEx (FDX) is expected to report earnings growth of +1.4% with a revenue increase of +0.9%, while Lennar Homes (LEN) faces tough comparisons with expected earnings growth of -45% and revenue decline of -4% [7]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article indicates that Darden Restaurants (DRI.US) experienced a significant stock decline of approximately 10.5%, reaching a new low of $186.9, marking the lowest point in over five months [1] - For the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, Darden reported a revenue increase of 10% year-over-year, totaling $3.04 billion, which met market expectations [1] - The net profit for the quarter was $258 million, with adjusted earnings per share of $1.97, slightly below the market expectation of $2.00 [1] Group 2 - Darden Restaurants has revised its revenue growth forecast for fiscal year 2026 to a range of 7.5% to 8.5%, an increase from the previous forecast of 7% to 8% [1] - The company reaffirmed its adjusted earnings per share forecast for the fiscal year, projecting it to be between $10.5 and $10.7 [1]

Core Insights - Darden Restaurants, Inc. reported first-quarter fiscal 2026 results with earnings missing estimates but revenues exceeding expectations, leading to an 8% decline in stock price during pre-market trading [1] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the fiscal first quarter were $1.97, below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.00, compared to $1.75 in the prior-year quarter [2] - Total sales reached $3,044.7 million, surpassing the consensus mark of $3,040 million, reflecting a 10.4% increase from the previous year, supported by a 4.7% increase in same-restaurant sales [3] Segment Performance - Sales at Olive Garden increased 7.6% year over year to $1.3 billion, matching estimates, with same-restaurant sales up 5.9% [4] - LongHorn Steakhouse saw an 8.8% year-over-year sales increase to $776.4 million, though below the estimate of $811.5 million, with comps rising 5.5% [5] - Fine Dining segment sales rose 2.7% to $286.5 million, slightly above the estimate of $285 million, but comps fell 0.2% [5] - Other Business segment sales surged 22.5% year over year to $680.7 million, exceeding the estimate of $628.5 million, with comps up 3.3% [6] Operating Costs - Total operating costs and expenses increased 8.8% year over year to $2.7 billion, primarily due to higher food and beverage expenses, labor costs, and marketing expenses, missing the projection of $2.72 billion [7] Balance Sheet - As of August 24, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $211 million, down from $240 million as of May 25, 2025, while inventories decreased slightly to $309.6 million [8] Future Outlook - For fiscal 2026, Darden raised its total sales growth outlook to 7.5% to 8.5%, including approximately 2% growth related to the 53rd week, with same-restaurant sales growth anticipated between 2.5% to 3.5% [11] - The company plans to open approximately 65 net new restaurants and allocate $700-$750 million for capital spending in fiscal 2026 [12]

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Core Insights - Darden Restaurants Inc reported earnings of $1.97 per share, missing expectations, while revenue of $3.04 billion met forecasts, leading to a 9.7% drop in shares to $188.61 [1] - The company experienced strong same-store sales growth across its portfolio but faced challenges in the fine dining segment due to rising costs [1] - Despite the current struggles, Darden raised its 2026 forecast, indicating confidence in a potential rebound [1] Stock Performance - If the current trend continues, the stock will log its fifth consecutive daily loss and the steepest post-earnings drop in at least nine quarters, reaching its lowest levels since April [2] - Year-to-date, the stock is up 1.3% and reached an all-time high in June, but is now relying on its 320-day moving average to prevent further losses [2] Analyst Sentiment - Analysts remain bullish, with 18 out of 29 brokerages maintaining a "buy" or better rating, while 11 have a "hold" rating [3] - Following the earnings report, there was a significant number of price-target adjustments, but the 12-month consensus price target stands at $232.94, indicating a substantial premium to current levels [3] Options Market Activity - In the options market, sentiment is leaning bearish, with 7,865 puts traded compared to 1,885 calls, and overall volume at 24 times the average intraday amount [4] - The most active contracts include the monthly September puts with strike prices of 200, 195, 190, and 185, with new positions being opened at the last [4]

Financial Performance - Darden Restaurants reported revenue of $3.04 billion for the quarter ended August 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 10.4% [1] - Earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $1.97, up from $1.75 in the same quarter last year [1] - The reported revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.17%, while the EPS fell short of the consensus estimate of $2.00 by 1.5% [1] Key Metrics - Total company-owned restaurants stood at 2,165, slightly below the average estimate of 2,167 by nine analysts [4] - Same-restaurant sales for LongHorn Steakhouse increased by 5.5%, compared to the average estimate of 5.8% [4] - Same-restaurant sales for Olive Garden rose by 5.9%, slightly below the average estimate of 6.1% [4] - Consolidated same-restaurant sales increased by 4.7%, surpassing the average estimate of 4.4% [4] Sales Breakdown - Olive Garden generated sales of $1.3 billion, close to the average estimate of $1.31 billion, marking a year-over-year increase of 7.6% [4] - Other Business sales reached $680.7 million, exceeding the average estimate of $664.65 million, representing a year-over-year change of 22.5% [4] - Fine Dining sales were reported at $286.5 million, slightly below the average estimate of $289.03 million, with a year-over-year increase of 2.7% [4] - LongHorn Steakhouse sales amounted to $776.4 million, compared to the average estimate of $782.66 million, reflecting an 8.8% year-over-year increase [4] Stock Performance - Darden Restaurants' shares returned +0.6% over the past month, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite increased by +2.5% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Core Viewpoint - Darden Restaurants' stock price fell significantly by 8.1% following the release of mixed quarterly results, with performance from Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse offsetting weakness in its fine dining segment [1] Company Performance - Darden Restaurants reported mixed quarterly earnings, indicating that while some segments performed well, others struggled [1] - The performance of Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse was strong enough to counterbalance the underperformance in the high-end dining sector [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total sales of $3 billion, a 10% increase compared to the previous year, driven by same restaurant sales growth of 4.7% and the acquisition of 103 Chuy's restaurants [15][16] - Adjusted diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations were $1.97, reflecting a 12.6% increase year-over-year [16] - Adjusted EBITDA reached $439 million, with a return of $358 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [16][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Olive Garden's same restaurant sales grew by 5.9%, supported by successful marketing initiatives and first-party delivery growth [5][19] - LongHorn Steakhouse achieved same restaurant sales growth of 5.5%, maintaining a strong focus on quality and operational consistency [8][20] - The fine dining segment experienced slightly negative same restaurant sales, but Ruth's Chris Steak House's limited-time offer helped mitigate challenges [11][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The casual dining industry saw average same restaurant sales growth of 5% and guest counts up by 2.6% [4] - Olive Garden's sales momentum continued, outperforming the industry benchmark by 90 basis points [19] - The other business segment, including Yard House and Cheddar's, reported a 22.5% increase in sales, driven by the acquisition of Chuy's and positive same restaurant sales of 3.3% [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its competitive advantages, including significant scale and extensive data insights, to drive long-term growth [5][12] - A focus on affordability and menu innovation is evident, with Olive Garden testing lighter portion sizes to attract more guests [8][39] - The company plans to open approximately 65 new restaurants in fiscal 2026, reflecting confidence in its development pipeline [22][80] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the consumer spending environment, noting strong retail sales and a positive outlook for the casual dining segment [58] - The company raised its total sales growth guidance for the year to 7.5% to 8.5%, while tightening the range for same restaurant sales growth to 2.5% to 3.5% [22] - Management acknowledged challenges with beef costs but remains confident in navigating through higher costs while maintaining pricing discipline [26][60] Other Important Information - The company is actively involved in philanthropic efforts, including supporting Feeding America with refrigerated trucks for food banks [14] - The acquisition of eight Olive Garden locations in Canada was completed, with plans to open 30 more locations over the next decade [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the visibility on food cost outcomes? - Management indicated that coverage for beef is currently at 25% for the next six months, with significant price increases expected to be unsustainable [26] Question: What are the early indications of the new portion sizes at Olive Garden? - Early indications suggest a potential traffic driver, although it may slightly dilute check averages [28] Question: Can you provide a breakdown of LongHorn's comp split between traffic and ticket? - LongHorn's traffic was up 3.2%, with same restaurant sales of 5.5%, indicating a check increase of 2.3% [45] Question: How is the delivery business performing? - Delivery accounted for 5% of Olive Garden's sales in the first quarter, exiting at 4%, still 40% above pre-promotion levels [85] Question: What is the company's strategy regarding beef prices? - Management believes recent beef price spikes are not sustainable and plans to adjust pricing accordingly [26][92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total sales of $3 billion, which is 10% higher than last year, driven by same restaurant sales growth of 4.7% and the acquisition of 103 Chuy's restaurants [16][17] - Adjusted diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations were $1.97, a 12.6% increase compared to last year [17] - Adjusted EBITDA reached $439 million, with a return of $358 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Olive Garden's same restaurant sales grew by 5.9%, supported by culinary innovations and effective marketing strategies [6][20] - LongHorn Steakhouse achieved same restaurant sales growth of 5.5%, maintaining a strong focus on quality and operational consistency [9][21] - The fine dining segment experienced slightly negative same restaurant sales, but Ruth's Chris Steak House's limited-time offer drove positive comps [12][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average same restaurant sales for the casual dining industry grew by 5%, with guest counts increasing by 2.6% [5] - Darden's same restaurant sales were in the top quartile of the industry, outperforming the industry benchmark by 90 basis points [16][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to leverage its competitive advantages, including significant scale and extensive data insights, to drive long-term growth [6][14] - A focus on affordability and menu innovation is evident, with Olive Garden testing lighter portion sizes to attract more guests [9][41] - The company plans to open approximately 65 new restaurants, reflecting confidence in its development pipeline [23][70] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the consumer spending environment, noting that casual dining is gaining traction due to perceived value [56][41] - The company anticipates total sales growth for the year to be between 7.5% and 8.5%, with same restaurant sales growth of 2.5% to 3.5% [23][72] - Management acknowledged challenges with beef costs but remains confident in navigating through these pressures while maintaining pricing discipline [27][58] Other Important Information - The company is actively involved in philanthropic efforts, including supporting Feeding America with refrigerated trucks to meet food assistance demands [15] - The acquisition of Chuy's restaurants is expected to enhance the company's growth trajectory and market presence [16][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the visibility on food cost outcomes? - Management indicated that coverage for beef is currently at 25% for the next six months, with significant price increases observed, particularly in tenders and ribeyes [27] Question: What are the early indications of the new portion sizes at Olive Garden? - Management believes the new portion sizes may dilute checks slightly but could drive traffic in the long run, with early indications showing increased frequency [29] Question: How did the affordability pivot and UberDirect impact costs? - Management noted that the segment profit margin at Olive Garden was only down 10 basis points, indicating strong business model resilience despite cost pressures [32] Question: What is the outlook for casual dining performance? - Management believes the strong performance in casual dining is due to lower pricing compared to other segments, with guests valuing the dining experience [40] Question: How is the company addressing the beef cost situation? - Management is monitoring beef prices closely and does not believe current high prices are sustainable, indicating a potential for price adjustments if necessary [27][90]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total sales of $3 billion, which is 10% higher than last year, driven by same restaurant sales growth of 4.7% and the acquisition of 103 Chuy's restaurants [15][16] - Adjusted diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations were $1.97, reflecting a 12.6% increase year-over-year [16] - Adjusted EBITDA reached $439 million, with a return of $358 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [16][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Olive Garden's same restaurant sales grew by 5.9%, supported by culinary innovations and effective marketing strategies [5][19] - LongHorn Steakhouse achieved same restaurant sales growth of 5.5%, maintaining a strong focus on quality and operational consistency [8][20] - The fine dining segment experienced slightly negative same restaurant sales, but Ruth's Chris Steak House's limited-time offer helped offset challenges [11][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The casual dining industry saw average same restaurant sales growth of 5% and guest counts increased by 2.6% [4] - Olive Garden's sales momentum continued, outperforming the industry benchmark by 90 basis points [19] - The other business segment, including Yard House and Cheddar's, reported a 22.5% increase in sales, driven by the acquisition of Chuy's and positive same restaurant sales of 3.3% [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its competitive advantages, including significant scale and extensive data insights, to drive long-term growth [5][12] - A focus on affordability and menu innovation is evident, with Olive Garden testing lighter portion sizes to attract more guests [8][40] - The company plans to open approximately 65 new restaurants in fiscal 2026, reflecting confidence in its development pipeline [22][80] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the consumer spending environment, noting that retail sales were strong and the company is ahead of expectations [58] - The company anticipates total sales growth for the year to be between 7.5% and 8.5%, with same restaurant sales growth of 2.5% to 3.5% [22] - Management acknowledged challenges with beef costs but remains optimistic about navigating through these pressures while maintaining pricing discipline [26][60] Other Important Information - The company is actively involved in philanthropic efforts, including supporting Feeding America with refrigerated trucks for food banks [14] - The acquisition of Chuy's restaurants is expected to enhance the company's market position and profitability [15][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the visibility on food cost outcomes? - Management indicated that coverage for beef is currently at 25% for the next six months, with significant price increases observed, particularly in tenders and rib eyes [26] Question: What are the early indications of the new portion sizes at Olive Garden? - Early indications suggest that the new portion sizes may drive traffic, although there could be some dilution in check size [28] Question: Can you provide a breakdown of LongHorn's comp split between traffic and ticket? - LongHorn's traffic was up 3.2%, with same restaurant sales of 5.5%, indicating a check increase of 2.3% [45] Question: How is the delivery business performing? - Delivery accounted for about 5% of Olive Garden's sales in the first quarter, exiting at about 4%, still 40% above pre-promotion levels [85] Question: What is the company's outlook on consumer spending? - Management believes there have been no dramatic changes in consumer spending, with positive retail sales trends observed [58]