Unlocking Q4 Potential of Darden Restaurants (DRI): Exploring Wall Street Estimates for Key Metrics

Core Viewpoint - Darden Restaurants (DRI) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $2.93 per share, a 10.6% increase year-over-year, with revenues projected at $3.26 billion, reflecting a 10.3% increase compared to the same period last year [1]. Earnings Estimates - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 0.3% lower over the last 30 days, indicating a reevaluation of initial estimates by analysts [2]. - Revisions to earnings estimates are crucial indicators for predicting investor actions regarding the stock, with empirical research showing a strong correlation between earnings estimate trends and short-term stock price performance [3]. Sales Projections - Analysts predict 'Sales- Olive Garden' will reach $1.35 billion, a 5.6% increase from the prior-year quarter [5]. - 'Sales- Other Business' is expected to be $733.06 million, indicating a 24.3% increase year-over-year [5]. - 'Sales- Fine Dining' is projected at $356.37 million, reflecting a 9% increase from the previous year [5]. - 'Sales- LongHorn Steakhouse' is forecasted to reach $823.83 million, an 8% year-over-year increase [6]. - The 'Same-restaurant sales - LongHorn Steakhouse - YoY change' is expected to be 5.4%, up from 4% in the same quarter last year [6]. Company-Owned Restaurants - The estimate for 'Company-owned restaurants - Total' is 2,183, compared to 2,031 a year ago [6]. - 'Company-owned restaurants - Olive Garden' is projected to reach 933, up from 920 last year [7]. - 'Company-owned restaurants - LongHorn Steakhouse' is estimated at 592, compared to 575 in the same quarter last year [7]. - 'Company-owned restaurants - Bahama Breeze' is expected to remain at 43, unchanged from the previous year [8]. - 'Company-owned restaurants - Seasons 52' is projected to reach 45, up from 44 last year [8]. - 'Company-owned restaurants - Eddie V's' is estimated at 31, compared to 30 a year ago [9]. - 'Company-owned restaurants - Yard House' is expected to reach 90, up from 88 last year [9]. Stock Performance - Over the past month, Darden Restaurants shares have recorded a return of +2.8%, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1.7% change [10].