Compared to Estimates, Darden Restaurants (DRI) Q2 Earnings: A Look at Key Metrics

Financial Performance - Darden Restaurants reported revenue of $3.1 billion for the quarter ended November 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 7.3% [1] - Earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $2.08, slightly up from $2.03 in the same quarter last year [1] - The reported revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.08 billion by 0.6%, while the EPS fell short of the consensus estimate of $2.09 by 0.48% [1] Key Metrics - Darden's shares have returned +11.5% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite, which saw a +0.9% change [3] - The company currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the broader market [3] Same-Restaurant Sales - LongHorn Steakhouse reported same-restaurant sales growth of 5.9%, surpassing the average analyst estimate of 3.9% [4] - Olive Garden's same-restaurant sales increased by 4.7%, exceeding the average estimate of 3.8% [4] - Consolidated same-restaurant sales grew by 4.3%, compared to the average estimate of 3% [4] - Other Business same-restaurant sales rose by 3.1%, above the estimated 1.9% [4] - Fine Dining same-restaurant sales increased by 0.8%, compared to the estimated -0.1% [4] Sales Performance - Olive Garden generated sales of $1.36 billion, matching the average estimate and representing a year-over-year change of +5.4% [4] - Other Business sales were reported at $647.3 million, slightly below the average estimate of $657.61 million, with a year-over-year increase of +11.3% [4] - Fine Dining sales reached $316.2 million, close to the average estimate of $317.32 million, reflecting a +3.3% year-over-year change [4] - LongHorn Steakhouse sales amounted to $775.9 million, exceeding the average estimate of $759.23 million, with a year-over-year increase of +9.3% [4]