Group 1 - Four Corners Property Trust (FCPT) announced the acquisition of LongHorn Steakhouse property for $2.5 million, emphasizing its expansion and diversification efforts to support future revenue growth [1][6] - The property is situated in a high-traffic area in Michigan and was acquired at a 6.5% cap rate on rent, under a long-term triple-net lease [1][6] - FCPT's strategy includes structuring a portfolio resilient to various economic cycles, although it may face challenges due to elevated interest rates impacting borrowing costs [3] Group 2 - FCPT has a history of acquisitions, including the recent purchase of four Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen properties for $14.7 million [2] - In the past six months, FCPT's shares have increased by 1.9%, while the industry has seen an 8.8% rise [3] - Other better-ranked stocks in the REIT sector include SBA Communications and Omega Healthcare Investors, both currently rated Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [4]

Core Viewpoint - Several companies are significantly increasing their share buyback programs, collectively adding over $10 billion in repurchase capacity to the stock market, signaling a commitment to reward shareholders and potentially reduce outstanding shares [1]. Company Summaries Trump Media and Technology Group (DJT) - Announced a $400 million share buyback program, representing approximately 8.3% of its $4.8 billion market capitalization [2]. - The company raised $2.5 billion to create a large Bitcoin treasury, increasing its liquid assets to over $3 billion, despite generating under $4 million in revenues and having operating expenses exceeding $127 million [3]. Johnson Controls International (JCI) - Increased its share buyback authorization to $9 billion, totaling $10.1 billion in repurchase capacity, which is about 14.6% of its $69 billion market capitalization [6][7]. - Plans to return $5 billion in capital in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, potentially reducing its share count by around 7% and enhancing earnings per share [7]. Darden Restaurants (DRI) - Announced a $1 billion share buyback program, equating to just under 4% of its over $25 billion market capitalization, following a total return of approximately 17% in 2025 [9][10]. - Increased its quarterly dividend by 7.1%, with a solid indicated dividend yield of around 2.8%, one of the highest among U.S. restaurant stocks [10]. Broader Corporate Trend - The substantial buyback announcements from DJT, JCI, and DRI reflect a broader trend of companies returning capital to shareholders, whether to offset stock declines, reinforce confidence, or enhance earnings metrics [11]. - The end result of these buybacks is expected to be reduced share counts and potentially stronger shareholder returns, emphasizing the importance of execution speed and effectiveness in the coming quarters [12].

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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]

Core Insights - Darden Restaurants exceeded Wall Street's earnings and revenue expectations, predicting solid growth for fiscal year 2026 [1][2] - The company's stock rose over 2% in premarket trading following the earnings report [1] Financial Performance - Darden reported fiscal fourth-quarter net income of $303.8 million, or $2.58 per share, compared to $308.1 million, or $2.58 per share, a year earlier [1] - Excluding costs from the Chuy's Tex Mex acquisition, adjusted earnings were $2.98 per share for the fiscal fourth quarter [2] - Net sales increased by 10.6% to $3.3 billion, driven by the acquisition of 103 Chuy's restaurants and 25 net new restaurants [2] - Same-store sales rose 4.6%, surpassing StreetAccount estimates of 3.5% [2] Future Outlook - For fiscal year 2026, Darden forecasts revenue growth of 7% to 8%, including approximately 2% growth from an extra week in the year [3] - Adjusted earnings are expected to be in the range of $10.50 to $10.70 per share, including 20 cents related to the additional week [3] Brand Performance - Olive Garden, accounting for roughly 40% of Darden's quarterly revenue, reported same-store sales growth of 6.9%, exceeding expectations of 4.6% [5] - LongHorn Steakhouse's same-store sales increased by 6.7%, beating the anticipated growth of 5.3% [5] - The fine dining segment, including Ruth's Chris Steak House and The Capital Grille, experienced a same-store sales decline of 3.3%, compared to the expected decline of 0.2% [6] - The remaining segment, which includes Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen and Yard House, saw same-store sales growth of 1.2%, slightly above estimates of 1.1% [6] Strategic Initiatives - Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen is piloting on-demand delivery through a partnership with Uber Direct in 10 of its restaurants [7] - Darden's board of directors authorized a $1 billion share repurchase program, replacing the previous authorization [7] Stock Performance - Darden Restaurants' stock has increased approximately 19% year-to-date [8]

ORLANDO, Fla., June 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI) today reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended May 25, 2025.Fourth Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights Total sales increased 10.6% to $3.3 billion driven by a blended same-restaurant sales1 increase of 4.6% and sales from the acquisition of 103 Chuy's Tex Mex (Chuy's) restaurants and 25 net new restaurants Same-restaurant sales: Consolidated Darden1 4.6 % Olive Garden 6.9 % Lo ...

DRI 1D, 5D, and 21D Post Earnings Return AUSTIN, TEXAS - DECEMBER 19: The exterior of a LongHorn Steakhouse restaurant is seen on December ... More 19, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images) Getty Images Darden Restaurants (NYSE: DRI), a specialist in the full-service dining restaurant chain, is set to announce its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings (ending in May) on Friday, June 20, 2025, with analysts estimating earnings of $2.94 per share on $3.25 billion in revenue. This would indicate ...

In its upcoming report, Darden Restaurants (DRI) is predicted by Wall Street analysts to post quarterly earnings of $2.93 per share, reflecting an increase of 10.6% compared to the same period last year. Revenues are forecasted to be $3.26 billion, representing a year-over-year increase of 10.3%.The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.3% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This reflects how the analysts covering the stock have collectively reevaluated their initial estima ...

ORLANDO, Fla., May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Darden Restaurants, Inc., (NYSE: DRI) plans to release its fiscal 2025 fourth quarter financial results before the market opens on Friday, June 20, 2025, with a conference call to follow at 8:30 am ET. Rick Cardenas, CEO, and other senior management will discuss fourth quarter results and conduct a question and answer session. For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available shortly after the call. What:                    Darden Re ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported same restaurant sales growth of 2.6% for the third quarter, showing sequential improvement from prior quarters [22] - Adjusted diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations increased by 6.9% year-over-year to $2.80 [23] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $559 million, with total sales for the quarter reaching $3.23 billion [23][28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Olive Garden's total sales increased by 1.5%, driven by same restaurant sales growth of 0.6% [25] - Longhorn Steakhouse saw total sales increase by 5.1%, with same restaurant sales growth of 2.6% [26] - The Fine Dining segment experienced a 3.3% increase in total sales, although same restaurant sales were negative at 0.8% [27] - The Other Business segment, primarily driven by the acquisition of Chuy's, saw sales increase by 20.2% [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average same restaurant sales for the industry grew by 0.9%, while guest counts decreased by 1.2% [6] - The median same restaurant sales for the industry decreased by 2.3%, indicating a significant disparity between average and median results [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on integrating Chuy's and leveraging its existing brands to drive sales growth [18][42] - New smaller restaurant prototypes are being tested to lower construction costs and accelerate new restaurant openings [16][17] - The company plans to open between 60 and 65 new restaurants in fiscal 2026, with a capital expenditure of $375 million to $400 million for new restaurants [28][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that same restaurant sales trends improved in January and February, exceeding industry benchmarks by over 100 basis points [21] - The company remains confident in its strategy and business model, which continues to drive success despite external challenges [30] - Management acknowledged that while consumer sentiment is less optimistic, it has not significantly impacted dining out trends [94] Other Important Information - The company has awarded 98 scholarships worth $3,000 each to the children of team members through its Next Core scholarship program [19] - The company is experiencing a general rise in value perception at Olive Garden, attributed to improved operational performance [81] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the improvement seen more related to the company's own brands or the industry? - Management indicated that Olive Garden and Longhorn continue to perform well, with overall positive trends reflected in guidance for above 3% same restaurant sales growth [34] Question: What degree of flu impact was observed in the quarter? - Management could not quantify the flu's impact but noted that weather had a more significant effect on sales [40] Question: Can you provide insights on the Uber partnership and advertising spend? - Management stated that while Uber is contributing to advertising costs, the company is funding a larger portion and expects modest impacts on overall advertising spend [47][49] Question: Can you elaborate on the EPS guidance for the fourth quarter? - Management explained that inflation is expected to rise to about 3% in Q4, impacting operating margins, which are not expected to grow materially year-over-year [55] Question: What is driving Olive Garden's recent sales momentum? - Management attributed the sales momentum more to menu news rather than delivery, as the delivery rollout occurred late in the quarter [73] Question: How is the company managing inflation and labor costs? - Management noted that commodity prices are being managed effectively, with labor inflation stabilizing in the mid-3% range [77][78] Question: What is the company's exposure to potential tariffs? - Management indicated that about 80% of the cost basket is domestically sourced, with strategies in place to mitigate risks associated with tariffs [87][89]