Darden Restaurants to Release Fiscal 2026 Third Quarter Results on March 19, 2026

Rhea-AI Summary

Darden Restaurants (NYSE: DRI) will release fiscal 2026 third quarter results before the market opens on March 19, 2026. A conference call with CEO Rick Cardenas and CFO Raj Vennam is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. ET the same day.

The call will be webcast at the company's Investor Relations site, with supplementary materials posted beforehand and a replay available shortly after the call concludes.

Key Figures

Q2 FY26 total sales: $3.102 billion Q2 same-restaurant sales: 4.3% Q2 adjusted EPS: $2.08 +5 more

8 metrics

Q2 FY26 total sales $3.102 billion Fiscal 2026 second quarter results

Q2 same-restaurant sales 4.3% Blended same-restaurant sales increase in Q2 FY26

Q2 adjusted EPS $2.08 Adjusted diluted EPS from continuing operations, Q2 FY26

Quarterly dividend $1.50 per share Declared cash dividend around Q2 FY26 results

FY26 sales growth outlook 8.5%–9.3% Fiscal 2026 total sales growth guidance (includes ~2% from 53rd week)

FY26 adjusted EPS outlook $10.50–$10.70 Fiscal 2026 adjusted diluted EPS guidance

Q1 FY26 total sales $3.0 billion Fiscal 2026 first quarter results

Q1 sales growth 10.4% Year-over-year total sales increase in Q1 FY26

Market Reality Check

Price: $212.98 Vol: Volume 487,286 is well be...

low vol

$212.98 Last Close

Volume Volume 487,286 is well below the 20-day average 1,277,645, suggesting limited pre‑announcement positioning. low

Technical Trading above 200-day MA of 199.66, with price at 216.41 ahead of the earnings release date.

Peers on Argus

DRI fell 1.37% while key restaurant peers showed mixed, mostly modest moves (e.g...

1 Up

DRI fell 1.37% while key restaurant peers showed mixed, mostly modest moves (e.g., TXRH up 0.26%), indicating a stock-specific reaction to an otherwise routine scheduling update.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Feb 03 (Neutral)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Feb 03	Portfolio restructuring	Neutral	+2.3%	Closure and conversion of Bahama Breeze units deemed not financially material.
Dec 18	Q2 earnings & dividend	Positive	+1.8%	Q2 sales growth, EPS delivery, dividend declaration, and updated fiscal 2026 outlook.
Nov 20	Q2 call date	Neutral	+3.3%	Scheduling of fiscal 2026 Q2 release and conference call with management.
Sep 18	Q1 earnings & outlook	Positive	-7.7%	Strong Q1 sales and EPS growth with updated fiscal 2026 guidance and dividend.
Aug 21	Q1 call date	Neutral	+1.0%	Announcement of fiscal 2026 Q1 earnings release timing and access details.

Pattern Detected

Earnings and outlook updates have generally led to positive moves, though one strong quarter saw a notable negative divergence.

Recent Company History

Over the past six months, Darden reported strong fiscal 2026 performance, with Q1 sales up 10.4% to $3.0B and Q2 sales at $3.102B on solid same-restaurant growth and acquisitions. Quarterly updates have included dividends of $1.50 per share and guidance for adjusted EPS of $10.50–$10.70. Conference-call date announcements, like prior Q1 and Q2 calls, coincided with modest gains. The new Q3 earnings date fits this cadence of regular communications following strong operating trends.

Regulatory & Risk Context

Active S-3 Shelf

Shelf Active

Active S-3 Shelf Registration 2025-09-26

An effective S-3ASR automatic shelf registration filed on 2025-09-26 allows Darden to issue common stock and debt securities from time to time for general corporate purposes, including working capital, capital expenditures, stock repurchases, debt repayment, or acquisitions. No usage has been recorded in the provided context.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement schedules Darden’s fiscal 2026 third quarter results and conference call for March...

Analysis

This announcement schedules Darden’s fiscal 2026 third quarter results and conference call for March 19, 2026, continuing its pattern of regular communication after strong recent quarters. Prior updates highlighted sales of $3.0B–$3.102B, solid same-restaurant growth, dividends of $1.50 per share, and adjusted EPS guidance of $10.50–$10.70. With an automatic shelf registration in place and active insider and institutional filings, upcoming results and any capital decisions remain key metrics to monitor alongside operational performance.

Key Terms

schedule 13g, schedule 13g/a, rule 144, performance restricted stock units, +4 more

8 terms

schedule 13g regulatory

"form_type": "SCHEDULE 13G""

A Schedule 13G is a formal document that investors file with the government when they acquire a large ownership stake in a company, usually for investment purposes rather than control. It helps keep the public informed about who owns significant parts of a company's shares, which can influence how the company is managed and how investors make decisions. Filing this schedule is important for transparency and understanding the ownership landscape of publicly traded companies.

schedule 13g/a regulatory

"form_type": "SCHEDULE 13G/A""

A Schedule 13G/A is an amended public filing with the U.S. securities regulator that updates a previous Schedule 13G, disclosing when an individual or group holds a substantial (typically over 5%) stake in a company and is claiming a passive, non‑controlling intent. Investors monitor these updates because rising or falling holdings can signal changing confidence, potential future moves, or shifts in voting power — like watching a public ledger where large shareholders quietly adjust their positions.

rule 144 regulatory

"planned insider stock sale under Rule 144."

Rule 144 is a U.S. securities regulation that sets conditions under which restricted or insider-held shares can be legally resold to the public, such as required holding periods, availability of public information, limits on how much can be sold at once, and certain filing requirements. For investors it matters because it determines when previously locked-up shares can enter the market — like a release valve that can increase supply, affect share price, and signal insider intent.

performance restricted stock units financial

"including 644 performance restricted stock units (FY23)"

Performance restricted stock units (PRSUs) are promises to deliver company shares to employees or executives only if the business meets specific performance targets and any time-based holding rules. Think of them as a bonus that converts into stock only after set goals are reached, so investors watch PRSUs for two reasons: they can dilute existing shares if paid out, and they signal how closely management’s pay is tied to company performance.

restricted stock units financial

"Additional time-based restricted stock units total 226 (FY24 annual grant)"

Restricted stock units are a type of company reward where employees are promised shares of stock, but they only fully own these shares after meeting certain conditions, like staying with the company for a set time. They matter because they can become valuable assets and are often used to motivate employees to help the company succeed.

stock options financial

"Koren also holds several stock options to buy Darden common stock"

Stock options are agreements that give a person the right to buy or sell a company's stock at a specific price within a certain time frame. They are often used as a reward or incentive, similar to a coupon that can be used later if the stock price rises, allowing the holder to make a profit.

automatic shelf registration regulatory

"has filed an automatic shelf registration that allows it to offer"

Automatic shelf registration is a process that allows companies to register securities with regulators in advance, so they can sell new shares or bonds quickly whenever market conditions are favorable. For investors, this means companies can raise money more efficiently, often leading to more timely investment opportunities. It helps ensure that companies can respond swiftly to financing needs without lengthy approval delays.

beneficial ownership regulatory

"reported her initial beneficial ownership of company equity"

Beneficial ownership means the person or entity that actually enjoys the benefits of owning shares or other assets — such as receiving dividends, voting rights, or price gains — even if the legal title is held in another name. For investors it matters because knowing who truly controls and profits from a company reveals who can influence decisions, exposes potential conflicts of interest or hidden concentration of power, and affects transparency and risk in the stock.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: DRI) plans to release its fiscal 2026 third quarter financial results before the market opens on Thursday, March 19, 2026. The Company will host a conference call, led by Rick Cardenas, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Raj Vennam, Chief Financial Officer, to review third quarter results and conduct a question‑and‑answer session on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. ET.

The conference call will be webcast and can be accessed through the Company's Investor Relations website at investor.darden.com. Supplementary materials will be available on the website prior to the start of the conference call. A replay of the webcast will be available on the Company's Investor Relations website shortly after the conclusion of the call.

About Darden
Darden is a restaurant company featuring a portfolio of differentiated brands that include Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, The Capital Grille, Chuy's, Seasons 52, and Eddie V's. For more information, please visit www.darden.com.

Contacts:
Investor Relations: Courtney Aquilla (407) 245-5054
Media: Rich Jeffers (407) 245-4189

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/darden-restaurants-to-release-fiscal-2026-third-quarter-results-on-march-19-2026-302693022.html

SOURCE Darden Restaurants, Inc.

FAQ

When will Darden Restaurants (DRI) report fiscal 2026 Q3 results?

Darden will release fiscal 2026 third quarter results before market open on March 19, 2026. According to the company, the formal announcement precedes an 8:30 a.m. ET conference call the same day led by the CEO and CFO.

How can investors listen to Darden (DRI) conference call on March 19, 2026?

Investors can listen via a live webcast on Darden's Investor Relations website at investor.darden.com. According to the company, the webcast link and supplementary materials will be posted prior to the 8:30 a.m. ET call.

Who will present Darden's (DRI) fiscal Q3 2026 results on the conference call?

The presentation will be led by Rick Cardenas, President and CEO, and Raj Vennam, CFO, on March 19, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. ET. According to the company, they will review results and conduct a Q&A session.

Will Darden (DRI) provide materials for the March 19, 2026 earnings call?

Yes. Supplementary materials will be available on Darden's Investor Relations website before the conference call begins. According to the company, investors can review those materials ahead of the 8:30 a.m. ET presentation.

Will a replay of Darden's (DRI) March 19, 2026 webcast be available?

A replay will be available on Darden's Investor Relations website shortly after the call concludes. According to the company, the replay and any posted materials will remain accessible for on-demand review.

What time should shareholders join Darden's (DRI) March 19, 2026 call for the live Q&A?

Shareholders should join the live webcast at 8:30 a.m. ET on March 19, 2026 to participate in the Q&A session. According to the company, the call will follow the pre-market release of results that morning.