Darden Restaurants (NYSE: DRI) reports stronger Q2 results and raises 2026 outlook
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
10-Q
Darden Restaurants reported stronger quarterly and year-to-date results, reflecting both organic growth and contributions from recent acquisitions. For the quarter ended November 23, 2025, sales rose to $3.10 billion from $2.89 billion, while net earnings reached $237.2 million versus $215.1 million a year earlier. Diluted net earnings per share were $2.03, up from $1.82, with operating income up 9.7 percent.
For the first six months of fiscal 2026, sales grew to $6.15 billion from $5.65 billion and net earnings increased to $495.0 million from $422.3 million, helped by a blended same-restaurant sales increase and the addition of 103 Chuy’s locations. Darden continues to return capital through dividends of $3.00 per share year-to-date and share repurchases of about $404 million, while managing a sizable lease and debt portfolio. The company expects fiscal 2026 sales growth between 8.5% and 9.3%, including a benefit from a 53rd week.
Positive
- Strong earnings growth: Six‑month net earnings rose to $495.0M (up 17.2%), with diluted EPS from continuing operations increasing to $4.23 from $3.57.
- Solid revenue expansion: Sales grew 7.3% in the quarter to $3.10B and 8.9% year‑to‑date to $6.15B, supported by 4.3%–4.5% blended same‑restaurant sales growth and new units.
- Capital returns: Year‑to‑date dividends of $3.00 per share and share repurchases totaling about $404.3M, plus a subsequent $1.50 dividend declaration on December 17, 2025.
- Positive outlook: Management projects fiscal 2026 sales growth between 8.5% and 9.3%, including an estimated 2.0% contribution from the 53rd week.
Negative
- None.
Insights
Quarter showed solid revenue and EPS growth with supportive guidance.
Darden delivered healthy top-line expansion, with quarterly sales increasing 7.3% to
Margins benefited from leverage on higher sales and a sizable
Management’s outlook for fiscal 2026 calls for sales growth between
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
| QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||
For the quarterly period ended November 23, 2025
or
| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||||||||
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | ||||||||||
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ☒ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). ☒ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| ☒ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ||||||||||||||||||
| Emerging growth company | ||||||||||||||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ☐ Yes ☒ No
Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of December 15, 2025: 115,139,249 .
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | |||||||||||
| Part I - | Financial Information | ||||||||||
| Item 1. | Financial Statements (Unaudited) | 4 | |||||||||
Consolidated Statements of Earnings | 4 | ||||||||||
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income | 5 | ||||||||||
Consolidated Balance Sheets | 6 | ||||||||||
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity | 7 | ||||||||||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | 8 | ||||||||||
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 10 | ||||||||||
| Item 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 24 | |||||||||
| Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 33 | |||||||||
| Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 33 | |||||||||
| Part II - | Other Information | ||||||||||
| Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | 34 | |||||||||
| Item 1A. | Risk Factors | 34 | |||||||||
| Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 34 | |||||||||
| Item 5. | Other Information | 34 | |||||||||
| Item 6. | Exhibits | 35 | |||||||||
Signature | 36 | ||||||||||
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Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Statements set forth in or incorporated into this report that are not historical facts, including without limitation statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of Darden Restaurants, Inc. and its subsidiaries that are preceded by, followed by or that include words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “plan,” “outlook,” or similar expressions, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This statement is included for purposes of complying with the safe harbor provisions of that Act. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made, and we undertake no obligation to update such statements for any reason to reflect events or circumstances arising after such date. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The most significant of these uncertainties are described in Darden’s Form 10-K, Form 10-Q (including this report) and Form 8-K reports.
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PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(In millions, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Costs and expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Food and beverage | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Restaurant labor | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Restaurant expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Marketing expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pre-opening costs | |||||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairments and (gain) loss on disposal of assets, net | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating costs and expenses | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest, net | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings from continuing operations | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
Losses from discontinued operations, net of tax benefit of $ | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Basic net earnings per share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings from continuing operations | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Losses from discontinued operations | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted net earnings per share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings from continuing operations | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Losses from discontinued operations | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Average number of common shares outstanding: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted | |||||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.
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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In millions)
(Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency adjustment | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
Change in fair value of derivatives and amortization of unrecognized gains and losses on derivatives, net of taxes of $ | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net unamortized gain (loss) arising during the period, including amortization of unrecognized net actuarial gain (loss), net of taxes of $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Total comprehensive income | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.
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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions)
| November 23, 2025 | May 25, 2025 | ||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Receivables, net | |||||||||||
| Inventories | |||||||||||
| Prepaid income taxes | |||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | |||||||||||
| Total current assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
Land, buildings and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $ | |||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | |||||||||||
| Goodwill | |||||||||||
| Trademarks | |||||||||||
| Other assets | |||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Short-term debt | |||||||||||
| Accrued payroll | |||||||||||
| Accrued income taxes | |||||||||||
| Other accrued taxes | |||||||||||
| Unearned revenues | |||||||||||
| Other current liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Long-term debt | |||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | |||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities - non-current | |||||||||||
| Other liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity: | |||||||||||
| Common stock and surplus | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Retained earnings (deficit) | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income | |||||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | $ | |||||||||
See accompanying notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.
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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the Three and Six Months Ended November 23, 2025 and November 24, 2024
(In millions)
(Unaudited)
| Common Stock And Surplus | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Retained Earnings (Deficit) | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Total Stockholders’ Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at August 24, 2025 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared ($ | — | — | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock option exercises | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchases of common stock | ( | ( | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan and other plans | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at November 23, 2025 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at May 25, 2025 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared ($ | — | — | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock option exercises | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchases of common stock | ( | ( | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan and other plans | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at November 23, 2025 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at August 25, 2024 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared ($ | — | — | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock option exercises | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchases of common stock | ( | ( | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan and other plans | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at November 24, 2024 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at May 26, 2024 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared ($ | — | — | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock option exercises | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchases of common stock | ( | ( | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan and other plans | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at November 24, 2024 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.
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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
(Unaudited)
| Six Months Ended | |||||||||||
| November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | ||||||||||
| Cash flows—operating activities | |||||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Losses from discontinued operations, net of tax | |||||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net earnings from continuing operations to cash flows: | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | |||||||||||
| Impairments and (gain) loss on disposal of assets, net | ( | ||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | |||||||||||
| Change in current assets and liabilities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Contributions to pension and postretirement plans | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | |||||||||||
| Change in other assets and liabilities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Other, net | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Cash flows—investing activities | |||||||||||
| Purchases of land, buildings and equipment | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Proceeds from disposal of land, buildings and equipment | |||||||||||
| Cash used in business acquisitions, net of cash acquired | ( | ||||||||||
| Purchases of capitalized software and other assets | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Other, net | |||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||
| Cash flows—financing activities | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of common stock | |||||||||||
| Dividends paid | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Repurchases of common stock, inclusive of excise tax | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Proceeds from the issuance of commercial paper, net | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt | |||||||||||
| Principal payments on finance leases, net | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Payment of debt issuance costs | ( | ||||||||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities of continuing operations | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||
| Cash flows—discontinued operations | |||||||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations | ( | ||||||||||
| Net cash used in discontinued operations | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | ( | ||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash - beginning of period | |||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash - end of period | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash: | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Restricted cash included in prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||||||||||||||
| Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(In millions)
(Unaudited)
| Six Months Ended | |||||||||||
| November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | ||||||||||
| Cash flows from changes in current assets and liabilities | |||||||||||
| Receivables, net | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||
| Inventories | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Accounts payable | |||||||||||
| Accrued payroll | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Prepaid/accrued income taxes | ( | ||||||||||
| Other accrued taxes | |||||||||||
| Unearned revenues | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Other current liabilities | ( | ||||||||||
| Change in current assets and liabilities | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||
See accompanying notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.
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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 1.Basis of Presentation
Darden Restaurants, Inc. (we, our, Darden or the Company) owns and operates full-service dining restaurants in the United States under the trade names Olive Garden®, LongHorn Steakhouse®, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen®, Chuy’s®, Yard House®, Ruth’s Chris Steak House® (Ruth’s Chris), The Capital Grille®, Seasons 52®, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood® (Eddie V’s), Bahama Breeze®, and The Capital Burger®. As of November 23, 2025, through subsidiaries, we own and operate all of our restaurants in the United States, except for five restaurants we manage through joint venture or other contractual agreements and 86 franchised restaurants. We also have 78 international franchised restaurants in operation located in Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, and the Middle East.
We have prepared these consolidated financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally presented in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included and are of a normal recurring nature. We operate on a 52/53-week fiscal year which ends on the last Sunday in May. Our fiscal year ending May 31, 2026 will contain 53 weeks of operation. Operating results for interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the full fiscal year.
We have reclassified certain amounts in prior-period financial statements to conform to the current period’s presentation.
On July 14, 2025, we closed on the sale of eight Olive Garden locations in Canada to Recipe Unlimited Corporation (Recipe). All gains and losses on disposition have been aggregated in impairments and (gain) loss on disposal of assets, net on our consolidated statement of earnings. See Note 7 for additional information. At the closing, Darden and Recipe entered into an area development agreement and franchise agreements, pursuant to which Recipe will operate current and any new restaurants contemplated thereunder under the Olive Garden trade name and will pay royalties for use of the trade name.
In our June 2025 earnings call, we announced the decision to explore strategic alternatives for the Bahama Breeze brand, which includes 28 locations owned and operated by Darden and one franchise location. We are exploring a sale of the brand or conversions of some or all of these locations to other Darden brands. The Bahama Breeze assets did not meet the criteria to be classified as held for sale as of the end of the first or second fiscal quarter of 2026.
On October 11, 2024, we acquired 100 percent of the equity interest of Chuy’s Holdings, Inc (Chuy’s) in an all-cash transaction of $649.1 million in total consideration, $613.7 million in net cash consideration, inclusive of the $35.4 million of cash on Chuy’s balance sheet at closing. As a result of the acquisition and related integration efforts, we incurred expenses of approximately $4.9 million ($3.7 million, net of tax) and $8.5 million ($6.4 million, net of tax) during the three months and six months ended November 23, 2025, which are included in general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of earnings. We finalized the purchase price allocation related to the Chuy’s acquisition in the first quarter of 2026, which resulted in $267.2 million of goodwill, representing sales and unit growth opportunities, in addition to supply chain and support cost synergies.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Adopted
As of May 25, 2025, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which updates reportable segment disclosure requirements primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The adoption of ASU 2023-07 did not impact the Company’s results of operations, cash flow, or financial condition. See Note 6 for the Company’s segment disclosures.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which updates income tax disclosures related to rate reconciliation and requires
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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
disclosure of income taxes paid by jurisdiction. The amendments also provide further disclosure comparability. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The amendments should be applied prospectively; however, retrospective application is permitted. Management is currently evaluating this ASU to determine its impact on the Company’s disclosures. We plan to adopt in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income-Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses, which requires detailed disclosure amounts for purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, intangible asset amortization, and depreciation, depletion and amortization as part of oil and gas producing activities in each relevant expense caption on the income statement. The ASU requires companies to include amounts already required by GAAP in the same disclosure, provide a qualitative description of remaining amounts not separately disaggregated, and disclose the total selling expenses along with the definition of selling expenses in annual reports. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026. Early adoption is permitted. The amendment should be applied prospectively; however, retrospective application is permitted. Management is currently evaluating this ASU to determine its impact on the Company’s disclosures. We plan to adopt the amendment in fiscal 2028.
In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software Costs (Subtopic 350-40): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software. This ASU modernizes outdated guidance for internal-use software costs to reflect current development practices, including agile and iterative methods, replacing the previous waterfall-based model. The amendments eliminate the requirement to classify costs by development stages (preliminary, application development, and post-implementation) and introduce a principles-based threshold for capitalization. Under the new guidance, capitalization begins when management authorizes and commits funding for the project and it is probable the project will be completed and the software will perform its intended function (probable-to-complete threshold). Management is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We plan to adopt the amendment in fiscal 2028.
Note 2. Revenue Recognition
Deferred revenue liabilities from contracts with customers included on our accompanying consolidated balance sheets was comprised of the following:
| (in millions) | November 23, 2025 | May 25, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Unearned revenues | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred gift card revenue | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Deferred gift card discounts | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Other | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Other liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred franchise fees - non-current | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
The following table presents a rollforward of deferred gift card revenue:
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sale of Olive Garden Canada gift card balances | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquired deferred gift card revenue | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Activations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redemptions and breakage | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ending balance | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 3. Additional Financial Information
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information
The components of lease assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet were as follows:
| (in millions) | Balance Sheet Classification | November 23, 2025 | May 25, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | Operating lease right-of-use assets | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Finance lease right-of-use assets | Land, buildings and equipment, net | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total lease assets, net | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities - current | Other current liabilities | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Finance lease liabilities - current | Other current liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities - non-current | Operating lease liabilities - non-current | |||||||||||||||||||
| Finance lease liabilities - non-current | Other liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total lease liabilities | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash paid for interest and income taxes were as follows: | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||
| (in millions) | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | ||||||||||||
Cash paid for interest and income taxes were as follows: | ||||||||||||||
| Interest, net of amounts capitalized | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Income taxes, net of refunds | ||||||||||||||
| Non-cash investing and financing activities were as follows: | ||||||||||||||
| Increase in land, buildings and equipment through accrued purchases | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities1 | ||||||||||||||
| Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Net change in right-of-use assets mainly due to reclassification between categories upon modification | ||||||||||||||
1 Includes $ | ||||||||||||||
Note 4. Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate for continuing operations for the three months ended November 23, 2025 was 12.8 percent compared to an effective income tax rate for the three months ended November 24, 2024 of 12.3 percent. The effective income tax rate for continuing operations for the six months ended November 23, 2025 was 12.5 percent compared to an effective income tax rate for the three months ended November 24, 2024 of 11.4 percent. The increase in tax rate is primarily driven by impacts from stock market volatility, primarily offset by valuation allowance releases.
Included in our remaining balance of unrecognized tax benefits is $1.3 million related to tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts could change within the next 12 months based on the outcome of examinations or as a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations for specific jurisdictions.
12
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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 5. Net Earnings per Share
Outstanding stock options, restricted stock and equity-settled performance stock units granted by us represent the only dilutive effect reflected in diluted weighted average shares outstanding, none of which impact the numerator of the diluted net earnings per share computation. Stock options, restricted stock and equity-settled performance stock units excluded from the calculation of diluted net earnings per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive, were as follows:
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Anti-dilutive stock-based compensation awards | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Note 6. Segment Information
We manage our restaurant brands, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Chuy’s, Yard House, Ruth’s Chris, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V’s, Bahama Breeze, and The Capital Burger in North America as operating segments. The brands operate principally in the U.S. within full-service dining. We aggregate our operating segments into reportable segments based on a combination of the size, economic characteristics and sub-segment of full-service dining within which each brand operates. We have four reportable segments: (1) Olive Garden, (2) LongHorn Steakhouse, (3) Fine Dining and (4) Other Business.
The Olive Garden segment includes the results of our company-owned Olive Garden restaurants in the U.S. and Canada (through the disposition date of all eight Olive Garden locations in Canada). The LongHorn Steakhouse segment includes the results of our company-owned LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants in the U.S. The Fine Dining segment aggregates our premium brands that operate within the fine-dining sub-segment of full-service dining and includes the results of our company-owned Ruth’s Chris, The Capital Grille and Eddie V’s restaurants in the U.S. The Other Business segment aggregates our remaining brands and includes the results of our company-owned Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, Chuy’s, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze, and The Capital Burger restaurants in the U.S. and results from our franchise operations.
External sales are derived principally from food and beverage sales. We do not rely on any major customers as a source of sales, and the customers and long-lived assets of our reportable segments are predominantly in the U.S. There were no material transactions among reportable segments.
Resources are allocated and performance is assessed by the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, whom the Company has determined to be its Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM). Our CODM uses segment profit as the measure for assessing performance of our segments. Segment profit includes revenues and expenses directly attributable to restaurant-level results of operations (sometimes referred to as restaurant-level earnings). Non-cash lease-related expenses from our operating segments are recorded to the corporate level as restaurant expenses (which is a component of segment profit), pre-opening costs and depreciation and amortization. Additionally, our lease-related right-of-use assets are not managed or evaluated at the operating segment level, but rather at the corporate level.
During the fourth quarter of 2025, we changed our reporting of segment profit to exclude pre-opening costs in order to better align with our internal reporting and provide a better representation of restaurant-level operating costs. Fiscal 2025 figures for the three and six months ended November 24, 2024 were recast for comparability.
13
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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
The following tables reconcile our segment results to our consolidated results reported in accordance with GAAP.
| (in millions) | Olive Garden | LongHorn Steakhouse | Fine Dining | Other Business | Corporate | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| For the three months ended November 23, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Food and beverage | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restaurant labor | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restaurant expenses | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Marketing | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment profit | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairments and (gain) loss on disposal of assets, net | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pre-opening costs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | Olive Garden1 | LongHorn Steakhouse | Fine Dining | Other Business | Corporate | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| For the six months ended November 23, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Food and beverage | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restaurant labor | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restaurant expenses | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Marketing | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment profit | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairments and (gain) loss on disposal of assets, net | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pre-opening costs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchases of land, buildings and equipment | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
| (in millions) | Olive Garden1 | LongHorn Steakhouse | Fine Dining | Other Business | Corporate | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| For the three months ended November 24, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Food and beverage | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restaurant labor | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restaurant expenses | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Marketing | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment profit | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairments and (gain) loss on disposal of assets, net | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pre-opening costs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | Olive Garden1 | LongHorn Steakhouse | Fine Dining | Other Business | Corporate | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| For the six months ended November 24, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Food and beverage | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restaurant labor | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restaurant expenses | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Marketing | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment profit | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairments and (gain) loss on disposal of assets, net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pre-opening costs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchases of land, buildings and equipment | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Segment results include sales from the eight Olive Garden Canada locations sold on July 14, 2025.
| (in millions) | November 23, 2025 | May 25, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Segment Assets | ||||||||||||||
| Olive Garden | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| LongHorn Steakhouse | ||||||||||||||
| Fine Dining | ||||||||||||||
| Other Business | ||||||||||||||
| Corporate | ||||||||||||||
| Consolidated | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
A reconciliation of segment profit to earnings from continuing operations before income taxes is below.
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment profit | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less pre-opening costs | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less general and administrative expenses | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less depreciation and amortization | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less impairments and gain (loss) on disposal of assets, net | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less interest, net | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Note 7. Impairments and Disposal of Assets
Impairments and (gain) loss on disposal of assets, net, in our accompanying consolidated statements of earnings were comprised of the following:
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restaurant impairments | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Disposal (gains) losses | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairments and (gain) loss on disposal of assets, net | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||
Disposal (gains) losses for the three and six months ended November 23, 2025 were related to the sale of real estate, a tenant buyout incentive and the sale of the assets of all eight Olive Garden restaurants in Canada and certain liabilities related thereto. Disposal (gains) losses for the six months ended November 24, 2024 were related to the closure of previously impaired locations. Other impacts for the three months and six months ended November 23, 2025 were primarily related to lease terminations. Other impacts for the six months ended November 24, 2024 were related to right-of-use asset adjustments on early lease terminations and product losses.
Note 8. Stockholders’ Equity
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)
The components of AOCI, net of tax, for the three and six months ended November 23, 2025 were as follows:
| (in millions) | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives | Benefit Plan Funding Position | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at August 24, 2025 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain (loss) | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification realized in net earnings | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at November 23, 2025 | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at May 25, 2025 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain (loss) | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification realized in net earnings | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at November 23, 2025 | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||
16
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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
The components of AOCI, net of tax, for the three and six months ended November 24, 2024 were as follows:
| (in millions) | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives | Benefit Plan Funding Position | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at August 25, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain (loss) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification realized in net earnings | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at November 24, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at May 26, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain (loss) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification realized in net earnings | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at November 24, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
The following table presents the amounts and line items in our consolidated statements of earnings where adjustments reclassified from AOCI into net earnings were recorded.
| Amount Reclassified from AOCI into Net Earnings | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) AOCI Components | Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commodity contracts | (1) | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
Equity contracts | (2) | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate contracts | (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange forwards | (4) | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total before tax | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tax (expense) benefit | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net of tax | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Benefit plan funding position | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recognized net actuarial gain (loss) - pension/postretirement plans | (5) | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Recognized net actuarial gain (loss) - other plans | (5) | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total before tax | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Tax (expense) benefit | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net of tax | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Cumulative translation adjustment | (6) | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tax (expense) benefit | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net of tax | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Primarily included in food and beverage costs and restaurant expenses. See Note 10 for additional details.
(2)Included in general and administrative expenses. See Note 10 for additional details.
(3)Included in interest, net on our consolidated statement of earnings.
(4)Included in impairments and (gain) loss on disposal of assets, net on our consolidated statement of earnings.
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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(5)Included in the computation of net periodic benefit costs, which is a component of general and administrative expenses.
(6)Included in impairments and (gain) loss on disposal of assets, net on our consolidated statement of earnings.
Note 9. Stock-Based Compensation
We grant stock options for a fixed number of shares to certain employees with an exercise price equal to the fair value of the shares at the date of grant. We also grant restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance stock units with a fair value generally determined based on our closing stock price on the date of grant. In addition, we grant cash-settled stock units (Darden stock units) which are classified as liabilities and are marked to market as of the end of each period.
The weighted-average fair value of non-qualified stock options and the related assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model for options granted during the periods presented were as follows:
| Six Months Ended | |||||||||||
| November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | ||||||||||
| Weighted-average fair value | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Dividend yield | % | % | |||||||||
| Expected volatility of stock | % | % | |||||||||
| Risk-free interest rate | % | % | |||||||||
| Expected option life (in years) | |||||||||||
| Weighted-average exercise price per share | $ | $ | |||||||||
The weighted-average grant date fair value of market-based performance stock units and the related assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulations to record stock-based compensation for units granted during the periods presented were as follows:
| Six Months Ended | |||||||||||
| November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | ||||||||||
| Dividend yield (1) | % | % | |||||||||
| Expected volatility of stock | % | % | |||||||||
| Risk-free interest rate | % | % | |||||||||
| Expected life (in years) | |||||||||||
| Weighted-average grant date fair value per unit | $ | $ | |||||||||
(1)Assumes a reinvestment of dividends.
The following table presents a summary of our stock-based compensation activity for the six months ended November 23, 2025.
| (in millions) | Stock Options | Restricted Stock/ Restricted Stock Units | Equity-Settled Performance Stock Units | Cash-Settled Darden Stock Units | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding beginning of period | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Awards granted | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Awards granted performance impact | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Awards exercised/vested | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Awards forfeited | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding end of period | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
18
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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
We recognized expense from stock-based compensation as follows:
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock options | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted stock/restricted stock units | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity-settled performance stock units | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash-settled Darden stock units | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Employee stock purchase plan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Director compensation program/other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total stock-based compensation expense | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Note 10. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
We enter into derivative instruments for risk management purposes only, including derivatives designated as hedging instruments as provided by FASB ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and those utilized as economic hedges. We use financial derivatives to manage interest rate, commodity and compensation risks inherent in our business operations. Cash flows related to derivatives are included in operating activities.
By using these instruments, we expose ourselves, from time to time, to credit risk and market risk. Credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, the counterparty owes us, which creates credit risk for us. We minimize this credit risk by entering into transactions with creditworthy counterparties. Market risk is the adverse effect on the value of a financial instrument that results from a change in interest rates, commodity prices, or the market price of our common stock. We minimize this market risk by establishing and monitoring parameters that limit the types and degree of market risk that may be undertaken.
We designate commodity contracts and equity forward contracts as cash flow hedging instruments. We have one interest rate swap agreement, which is designated as a fair value hedge of the related debt. Further, we entered into equity forward contracts to hedge the risk of changes in future cash flows associated with recognized, employee-directed investments in our common stock within the non-qualified deferred compensation plan. We did not elect hedge accounting with the expectation that changes in the fair value of the equity forward contracts would offset changes in the fair value of our common stock investments in the non-qualified deferred compensation plan.
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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
The notional and fair values of our derivative contracts were as follows:
| Fair Values | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except per share data) | Number of Shares Outstanding | Weighted-Average Per Share Forward Rates | Notional Values | Derivative Assets (1) | Derivative Liabilities (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| November 23, 2025 | November 23, 2025 | May 25, 2025 | November 23, 2025 | May 25, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity forwards: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Designated | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Not designated | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total equity forwards (2) | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commodity contracts: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Designated | N/A | N/A | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Not designated | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total commodity contracts (3) | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate related | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Designated - Fair value hedge | N/A | N/A | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Not designated | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest rate related | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange forwards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Designated | N/A | N/A | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Not designated | N/A | N/A | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total foreign exchange forwards | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total derivative contracts | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Derivative assets and liabilities are included in receivables, net and other current liabilities, as applicable, on our consolidated balance sheets.
(2)Designated and undesignated equity forwards extend through July 2029.
(3)Commodity contracts extend through June 2026.
20
Table of Contents
DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
The effects of derivative instruments accounted for as cash flow hedging instruments in the consolidated statements of earnings were as follows:
| Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI | Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity (1) | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commodity (2) | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI | Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Six Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity (1) | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commodity (2) | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange forwards (4) | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Location of the gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to earnings is general and administrative expenses.
(2)Location of the gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to earnings is food and beverage costs and restaurant expenses.
(3)Location of the gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to earnings is interest, net.
The effects of derivative instruments in fair value hedging relationships in the consolidated statement of earnings were as follows:
| Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives | Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Related Hedged Item | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate (1)(2) | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives | Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Related Hedged Item | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Six Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate (1)(2) | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) Location of the gain (loss) recognized in earnings on derivatives and related hedged item is interest, net.
(2) Hedged item in fair value hedge relationship is debt.
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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
The effects of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments in the consolidated statements of earnings were as follows:
| Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||
Note 11. Fair Value Measurements
The fair values of cash equivalents, receivables, net, accounts payable and short-term debt approximate their carrying amounts due to their short duration or market based interest rates.
The following tables summarize the fair values of financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of November 23, 2025 and May 25, 2025.
| Items Measured at Fair Value at November 23, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | Fair value of assets (liabilities) | Quoted prices in active market for identical assets (liabilities) (Level 1) | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commodities futures, swaps and options | (1) | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity forwards | (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate swaps - fair value hedge | (3) | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Items Measured at Fair Value at May 25, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | Fair value of assets (liabilities) | Quoted prices in active market for identical assets (liabilities) (Level 1) | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commodities futures, swaps and options | (1) | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity forwards | (2) | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate swaps - fair value hedge | (3) | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange forwards | (4) | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)The fair value of our commodities futures, swaps and options is based on closing market prices of the contracts, inclusive of the risk of nonperformance.
(2)The fair value of equity forwards is based on the closing market value of Darden stock, inclusive of the risk of nonperformance.
(3)The fair value of our interest rate swap agreements is based on current and expected market interest rates, inclusive of the risk of nonperformance.
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DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(4)The fair value of our foreign exchange forwards is based on closing forward exchange market prices, inclusive of the risk of nonperformance.
The carrying value and fair value of long-term debt as of November 23, 2025, was $2.14 billion and $2.19 billion, respectively. The carrying value and fair value of long-term debt as of May 25, 2025 was $2.13
The fair value of non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy, is determined based on third-party market appraisals. As of November 23, 2025 and May 25, 2025, adjustments to the fair values of non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, classified as Level 2, were not material.
Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies
As collateral for performance on contracts and as credit guarantees to banks and insurers, we are contingently liable for guarantees of subsidiary obligations under standby letters of credit. As of November 23, 2025 and May 25, 2025, we had $82.0 million and $80.0 million, respectively, of standby letters of credit related to workers’ compensation and general liabilities accrued in our consolidated financial statements. As of November 23, 2025 and May 25, 2025, we had $16.8 million and $16.7 million, respectively, of surety bonds related to other payments. Most surety bonds are renewable annually.
As of November 23, 2025 and May 25, 2025, we had $91.0 million and $76.5 million, respectively, of guarantees associated with leased properties that have been assigned to third parties, primarily related to our disposition of Red Lobster in fiscal 2015 and the sale of the eight Olive Garden Canada locations during the first quarter of fiscal 2026. These amounts represent the maximum potential amount of future payments under the guarantees. The fair value of the maximum potential future payments discounted at our weighted-average cost of capital as of November 23, 2025 and May 25, 2025, amounted to $71.0 million and $61.2 million, respectively. In the event of default by a third party, the indemnity and default clauses in our assignment agreements govern our ability to recover from and pursue the third party for damages incurred as a result of its default. We do not hold any third-party assets as collateral related to these assignment agreements, except to the extent that the assignment allows us to repossess the building and personal property. The liability recorded for our expected credit losses under these leases as of November 23, 2025 was $10.6 million. These guarantees expire over their respective lease terms, which range from fiscal 2026 through fiscal 2035.
Note 13. Subsequent Events
On December 17, 2025, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $1.50 per share payable on February 2, 2026 to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on January 9, 2026.
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Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The discussion and analysis below for the Company, which contains forward-looking statements, should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements and the notes to such financial statements included elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q (Form 10-Q) and the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 25, 2025 (Form 10-K). In addition to historical consolidated financial information, this discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates, and beliefs and involve numerous risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those described in the “Item 1A. Risk Factors” section of the Form 10-K. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. You should carefully read “Forward-Looking Statements” included below in this Form 10-Q.
To facilitate the review of our discussion and analysis, the following table sets forth our financial results for the periods indicated. All information is derived from the unaudited consolidated statements of earnings for the three and six months ended November 23, 2025 and November 24, 2024, respectively.
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | % Chg | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | % Chg | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | 3,102.1 | $ | 2,890.0 | 7.3% | $ | 6,146.8 | $ | 5,647.0 | 8.9% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Costs and expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Food and beverage | 963.7 | 872.8 | 10.4 | 1,892.8 | 1,719.5 | 10.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restaurant labor | 1,000.1 | 926.8 | 7.9 | 1,988.1 | 1,816.1 | 9.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restaurant expenses | 508.3 | 472.2 | 7.6 | 1,012.5 | 925.9 | 9.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Marketing expenses | 48.7 | 48.8 | (0.2) | 97.8 | 93.5 | 4.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pre-opening costs | 8.1 | 5.5 | 47.3 | 14.0 | 10.0 | 40.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 117.8 | 144.1 | (18.3) | 253.9 | 270.5 | (6.1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 137.9 | 127.7 | 8.0 | 273.0 | 249.2 | 9.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairments and (gain) loss on disposal of assets, net | (2.9) | — | NM | (44.9) | 1.0 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total costs and expenses | $ | 2,781.7 | $ | 2,597.9 | 7.1 | $ | 5,487.2 | $ | 5,085.7 | 7.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 320.4 | 292.1 | 9.7 | 659.6 | 561.3 | 17.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest, net | 48.0 | 46.2 | 3.9 | 93.4 | 83.3 | 12.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 272.4 | 245.9 | 10.8 | $ | 566.2 | $ | 478.0 | 18.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense (1) | 35.0 | 30.2 | 15.9 | 70.9 | 54.7 | 29.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings from continuing operations | $ | 237.4 | $ | 215.7 | 10.1 | $ | 495.3 | $ | 423.3 | 17.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Losses from discontinued operations, net of tax | (0.2) | (0.6) | (66.7) | (0.3) | (1.0) | (70.0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | 237.2 | $ | 215.1 | 10.3% | $ | 495.0 | $ | 422.3 | 17.2% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted net earnings per share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings from continuing operations | $ | 2.03 | $ | 1.82 | 11.5% | $ | 4.23 | $ | 3.57 | 18.5% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Losses from discontinued operations | — | — | NM | (0.01) | (0.01) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net earnings | $ | 2.03 | $ | 1.82 | 11.5% | $ | 4.22 | $ | 3.56 | 18.5% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) Effective tax rate | 12.8 | % | 12.3 | % | 12.5 | % | 11.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NM- Percentage not considered meaningful. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The following table details the number of company-owned restaurants currently reported in continuing operations that were open at the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2026, compared with the number of company-owned restaurants open at the end of fiscal 2025 and at the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2025.
| November 23, 2025 | May 25, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||
Olive Garden1 | 936 | 935 | 925 | |||||||||||||||||
| LongHorn Steakhouse | 601 | 591 | 580 | |||||||||||||||||
| Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen | 184 | 181 | 181 | |||||||||||||||||
Chuy’s2 | 109 | 108 | 104 | |||||||||||||||||
| Yard House | 91 | 88 | 88 | |||||||||||||||||
| Ruth’s Chris | 82 | 82 | 82 | |||||||||||||||||
| The Capital Grille | 73 | 71 | 70 | |||||||||||||||||
| Seasons 52 | 45 | 43 | 45 | |||||||||||||||||
| Eddie V’s | 30 | 29 | 30 | |||||||||||||||||
| Bahama Breeze | 28 | 28 | 43 | |||||||||||||||||
| The Capital Burger | 3 | 3 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | 2,182 | 2,159 | 2,152 | |||||||||||||||||
1 During the first quarter of fiscal 2026, we sold all eight of our Olive Garden Canada locations.
2 Includes 103 Chuy’s locations acquired during the second quarter of fiscal 2025.
OVERVIEW OF OPERATIONS
Our business operates in the full-service dining segment of the restaurant industry. At November 23, 2025, through subsidiaries, we owned and operated 2,182 restaurants in the United States under the Olive Garden®, LongHorn Steakhouse®, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen®, Chuy’s®, Yard House®, Ruth’s Chris Steak House® (Ruth’s Chris), The Capital Grille®, Seasons 52®, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood® (Eddie V’s), Bahama Breeze®, and The Capital Burger® trademarks. We own and operate all of our restaurants in the United States, except for five restaurants we manage through joint venture or other contractual agreements and 86 franchised restaurants. We also have 78 international franchised restaurants in operation located in Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, and the Middle East.
On our June 2025 earnings call, we announced the decision to explore strategic alternatives for the Bahama Breeze brand, which includes 28 locations owned and operated by Darden and one franchise location. We are exploring a sale of the brand or conversions of some or all locations to other Darden brands.
On July 14, 2025, we closed on the sale of eight Olive Garden locations in Canada to Recipe Unlimited Corporation (Recipe). All gains and losses on disposition have been aggregated in impairments and (gain) loss on disposal of assets, net on our consolidated statement of earnings. See Note 7 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for additional information. At closing, Darden and Recipe entered into an area development agreement and franchise agreements, pursuant to which Recipe will operate current and any new restaurants contemplated thereunder under the Olive Garden trade name and will pay royalties for use of the trade name.
Financial Highlights - Consolidated
•Total sales increased 7.3 percent and 8.9 percent to $3.10 billion and $6.15 billion for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2026, respectively, compared to $2.89 billion and $5.65 billion for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2025, respectively, driven by sales from the acquisition of 103 Chuy’s locations during the second quarter of fiscal 2025 and 30 net new restaurants and a blended same-restaurant sales increase of 4.3 percent1 and 4.5 percent.1
•Our net earnings from continuing operations were $237.4 million and $495.3 million for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2026, respectively, compared to $215.7 and $423.3 million for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2025, respectively.
•Reported diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations were $2.03 and $4.23 for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2026, respectively, compared to $1.82 and $3.57 for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2025, respectively.
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Outlook
We expect sales growth for fiscal 2026 to be between 8.5 and 9.3 percent, driven by growth of 2.0 percent related to the fifty-third week in fiscal 2026; same-restaurant sales growth to be between 3.5 and 4.3 percent2; and new restaurant openings to be between 65 to 70. Additionally, we expect capital expenditures incurred to build new restaurants, remodel and maintain existing restaurants and for technology initiatives to be between $750 and $775 million. These amounts all include the addition of Chuy’s and our expectations for Chuy’s results from the date of acquisition forward.
1 Will not include Chuy’s until they have been owned and operated by Darden for a 16-month period (Q4 fiscal 2026), and does not include Bahama Breeze as they are not expected to be operated by Darden for the entirety of the fiscal year.
2 Annual same-restaurant sales is a 52-week metric and excludes the impact of Chuy’s, which will not have been owned and operated by Darden for a 16-month period prior to the beginning of fiscal 2026, and does not include Bahama Breeze as they are not expected to be operated by Darden for the entirety of the fiscal year.
SALES
The following table presents our sales by segment for the periods indicated.
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | % Chg | SRS (1) | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | % Chg | SRS (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Olive Garden | $ | 1,362.7 | $ | 1,292.5 | 5.4 | % | 4.7 | % | $ | 2,663.8 | $ | 2,501.6 | 6.5 | % | 5.3 | % | |||||||||||||
| LongHorn Steakhouse | $ | 775.9 | $ | 710.1 | 9.3 | % | 5.9 | % | $ | 1,552.3 | $ | 1,423.6 | 9.0 | % | 5.7 | % | |||||||||||||
| Fine Dining | $ | 316.2 | $ | 306.0 | 3.3 | % | 0.8 | % | $ | 602.7 | $ | 584.9 | 3.0 | % | 0.3 | % | |||||||||||||
| Other Business | $ | 647.3 | $ | 581.4 | 11.3 | % | 3.1 | % | $ | 1,328.0 | $ | 1,136.9 | 16.8 | % | 3.2 | % | |||||||||||||
(1)Same-restaurant sales is a year-over-year comparison of each period’s sales volumes for a 52-week year and is limited to restaurants that have been open, and operated by Darden, for at least 16 months. Accordingly, Chuy’s results will not be included in this calculation until the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026. Additionally, results from Bahama Breeze are excluded as they are not expected to be operated by Darden for the entirety of the fiscal year.
Olive Garden’s sales increase for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 was primarily driven by same-restaurant sales increases, as well as revenue from new restaurants. The increase in U.S. same-restaurant sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 resulted from a 1.7 percent increase in same-restaurant guest counts, combined with a 3.0 percent increase in average check, which includes a 1.1 percent increase in off-premise catering sales. Olive Garden’s sales increase for the six months of fiscal 2026 was primarily driven by same-restaurant sales increases, as well as revenue from new restaurants, partially offset by the sale of all eight of our Olive Garden Canada locations. The increase in U.S. same-restaurant sales for the six months of fiscal 2026 resulted from a 2.2 percent increase in same-restaurant guest counts, combined with a 3.0 percent increase in average check, which includes a 0.9 percent increase in off-premise catering sales.
LongHorn Steakhouse’s sales increase for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 was primarily driven by same-restaurant sales increases, as well as revenue from new restaurants. The increase in same-restaurant sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 resulted from a 2.1 percent increase in average check combined with a 3.8 percent increase in same-restaurant guest counts. LongHorn Steakhouse’s sales increase for the six months of fiscal 2026 was primarily driven by same-restaurant sales increases combined with revenue from new restaurants. The increase in same-restaurant sales for the six months of fiscal 2026 resulted from a 2.1 percent increase in average check combined with a 3.5 percent increase in same-restaurant guest counts.
Fine Dining’s sales increase for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 was primarily driven by revenue from new restaurants, as well as same-restaurant sales increases. The increase in same-restaurant sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 resulted from a 0.9 percent increase in same-restaurant guest counts, offset by a 0.1 percent decrease in average check. Fine Dining’s sales increase for the six months of fiscal 2026 was primarily driven by revenue from new restaurants, as well as same-restaurant sales increases. The increase in same-restaurant sales for the six months of fiscal 2026 resulted from a 0.3 percent increase in average check.
Other Business’ sales increase for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 was primarily driven by the addition of Chuy’s for the entire period. The increase in same-restaurant sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 resulted from a 0.1 percent increase in same-restaurant guest counts combined with a 2.9 percent increase in average check. Other Business’ sales increase for the six months of fiscal 2026 was primarily driven by the addition of Chuy’s for the entire period. The increase in same-restaurant
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sales for the six months of fiscal 2026 resulted from a 0.5 percent increase in same-restaurant guest counts combined with a 2.7 percent increase in average check.
COSTS AND EXPENSES
The following table sets forth selected operating data as a percent of sales for the periods indicated. All information is derived from the unaudited consolidated statements of earnings for the three and six months ended November 23, 2025 and November 24, 2024.
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Costs and expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Food and beverage | 31.1 | 30.2 | 30.8 | 30.4 | |||||||||||||||||||
Restaurant labor | 32.2 | 32.1 | 32.3 | 32.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
Restaurant expenses | 16.4 | 16.3 | 16.5 | 16.4 | |||||||||||||||||||
Marketing expenses | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 1.7 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Pre-opening costs | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 3.8 | 5.0 | 4.1 | 4.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.4 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Impairments and (gain) loss on disposal of assets, net | (0.1) | — | (0.7) | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating costs and expenses | 89.7 | % | 89.9 | % | 89.3 | % | 90.1 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 10.3 | 10.1 | 10.7 | 9.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest, net | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 8.8 | 8.5 | 9.2 | 8.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 1.1 | 1.0 | 1.2 | 1.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings from continuing operations | 7.7 | % | 7.5 | % | 8.1 | % | 7.5 | % | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended November 23, 2025 Compared to Three Months Ended November 24, 2024
•Food and beverage costs increased as a percent of sales primarily due to a 1.6% impact from inflation and a 0.2% impact from mix and other, partially offset by a 0.8% impact from pricing leverage and a 0.1% impact from cost saving initiatives.
•Restaurant labor costs increased as a percent of sales primarily due to a 1.0% impact from inflation, partially offset by a 0.8% impact from pricing leverage and a 0.1% impact from productivity.
•Restaurant expenses increased as a percent of sales primarily due to a 0.5% impact from inflation, a 0.2% impact from Uber direct fees and a 0.2% impact from brand mix, partially offset by a 0.6% impact from sales leverage and a 0.2% impact from other.
•Marketing expenses decreased due to cost savings.
•Pre-opening costs increased primarily due to new restaurant openings.
•General and administrative expenses decreased as a percent of sales primarily due to a 0.8% impact from Chuy’s transaction and integration costs incurred in the second quarter of fiscal 2025, a 0.3% impact from sales leverage including synergies realized from the Chuy’s transaction, a 0.3% impact from mark to market adjustments and a 0.1% impact from compensation, offset by a 0.3% impact from Chuy’s transaction and integration costs incurred in the second quarter of fiscal 2026.
•Depreciation and amortization expenses remained flat as a percent of sales.
•Impairment and (gain) loss on disposal of assets, net increased as a percent of sales due to gains from the disposition of assets.
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Six Months Ended November 23, 2025 Compared to Six Months Ended November 24, 2024
•Food and beverage costs increased as a percent of sales primarily due to a 1.1% impact from inflation and a 0.2% impact from mix and other, partially offset by a 0.8% impact from pricing leverage and a 0.1% impact from cost savings.
•Restaurant labor costs increased as a percent of sales primarily due to a 1.0% impact from inflation and a 0.1% impact from higher performance-based compensation expense, partially offset by a 0.8% impact from pricing leverage and a 0.2% impact from productivity.
•Restaurant expenses increased as a percent of sales primarily due to a 0.5% impact from inflation, a 0.3% impact from Uber direct fees and a 0.2% impact from brand mix, partially offset by a 0.7% impact from sales leverage and a 0.2% impact from other.
•Marketing expenses decreased due to cost savings.
•Pre-opening costs remained flat as a percent of sales.
•General and administrative expenses decreased as a percent of sales primarily due to a 0.5% impact from Chuy’s transaction and integration costs incurred in fiscal 2025, 0.3% impact from sales leverage including synergies realized from the Chuy’s transaction, a 0.1% impact from mark to market adjustments, and a 0.1% impact from other, partially offset by a 0.2% impact from Chuy’s transaction and integration costs incurred in fiscal 2026, and a 0.1% impact from inflation.
•Depreciation and amortization expenses remained flat as a percent of sales.
•Impairment and (gain) loss on disposal of assets, net increased as a percent of sales primarily due to the gain on sale of the eight Olive Garden Canada locations.
INTEREST EXPENSE
Net interest expense decreased as a percent of sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 primarily due to sales leverage. Net interest expense remained flat as percent of sales for the first six months of fiscal 2026.
INCOME TAXES
The effective income tax rate for continuing operations for the three months ended November 23, 2025 was 12.8 percent compared to an effective income tax rate for the three months ended November 24, 2024 of 12.3 percent. The effective income tax rate for continuing operations for the six months ended November 23, 2025 was 12.5 percent compared to an effective income tax rate for the six months ended November 24, 2024 of 11.4 percent. The increase in tax rate is primarily driven by impacts from stock market volatility, primarily offset by valuation allowance releases.
H.R. 1., also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), was enacted on July 4, 2025. The legislation included several provisions that impact the timing and magnitude of certain tax deductions, including restoring 100% bonus depreciation for qualifying property and the immediate expensing of domestic research and development costs. We have applied the key provisions impacting our financial position for the six months ended November 23, 2025, and will continue to assess the potential impacts on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows as additional guidance from the OBBBA is issued.
LOSSES FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
On an after-tax basis, losses from discontinued operations for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2026 were $0.2 million ($0.00 per diluted share) and $0.3 million ($0.01 per diluted share), respectively, compared with losses from discontinued operations for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2025 of $0.6 million ($0.00 per diluted share) and $1.0 million ($0.01 per diluted share), respectively.
SEGMENT RESULTS
We manage our restaurant brands, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Chuy’s, Yard House, Ruth’s Chris, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V’s, Bahama Breeze and The Capital Burger, in North America as operating segments. We aggregate our operating segments into reportable segments based on a combination of the size, economic characteristics and sub-segment of full-service dining within which each brand operates. Our four reportable segments are: (1) Olive Garden, (2) LongHorn Steakhouse, (3) Fine Dining and (4) Other Business (see Note 6 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q).
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Our management uses segment profit as the measure for assessing performance of our segments. The following table presents segment profit margin1 for the periods indicated.
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | Change | November 23, 2025 | November 24, 2024 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Olive Garden | 21.8% | 21.5% | 30 BPS | 21.2% | 21.1% | 10 | BPS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LongHorn Steakhouse | 16.2% | 19.0% | (280) BPS | 16.8% | 18.5% | (170) | BPS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fine Dining | 14.8% | 17.6% | (280) BPS | 14.2% | 15.9% | (170) | BPS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Business | 13.4% | 14.0% | (60) BPS | 14.8% | 14.5% | 30 | BPS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Segment profit margin is calculated as (sales less costs of food & beverage, restaurant labor, restaurant expenses and marketing expenses) / sales. During the fourth quarter of 2025, we changed our reporting of segment profit to exclude pre-opening costs in order to better align with our internal reporting and provide a better representation of restaurant-level operating costs. Fiscal 2025 figures were recast for comparability. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The increases in Olive Garden’s segment profit margin for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2026 were driven primarily by lower food and beverage and marketing costs, partially offset by higher restaurant expenses. The decrease in Longhorn Steakhouse’s segment profit margin for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 was driven by higher food and beverage costs, primarily due to setting menu pricing approximately 320 basis points below inflation, and restaurant labor costs, partially offset by lower restaurant expenses. The decrease in Longhorn Steakhouse’s segment profit margin for the first six months of fiscal 2026 was driven by higher food and beverage costs, primarily due to setting menu pricing approximately 210 basis points below inflation, and restaurant labor costs, partially offset by lower restaurant expenses. The decrease in Fine Dining’s segment profit margin for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2026 was driven primarily by higher food and beverage costs and restaurant labor. The decrease in Other Business’ segment profit margin for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 was driven primarily by higher food and beverage and restaurant labor costs. The increase in Other Business’ segment profit margin for the first six months of fiscal 2026 was driven primarily by the addition of Chuy’s operating results and lower food and beverage costs.
SEASONALITY
Our sales volumes have historically fluctuated seasonally. Our average sales per restaurant are highest in the winter and spring, followed by the fall and summer. Holidays, changes in the economy, severe weather, and the effects of other conditions may impact sales volumes seasonally in some operating regions. Because of the historical seasonality of our business and these other factors, results for any fiscal quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full fiscal year.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Typically, cash flows generated from operating activities are our principal source of liquidity, which we use to finance capital expenditures for new restaurants and to remodel and maintain existing restaurants, to pay dividends to our shareholders and to repurchase shares of our common stock. Since substantially all of our sales are for cash and cash equivalents, and accounts payable are generally paid in 5 to 90 days, we are typically able to carry current liabilities in excess of current assets.
We currently manage our business and financial ratios to target an investment-grade bond rating, which has historically allowed flexible access to financing at reasonable costs. Our publicly issued long-term debt currently carries the following ratings:
•Moody’s Investors Service “Baa2”;
•Standard & Poor’s “BBB”; and
•Fitch “BBB”.
Our commercial paper has ratings of:
•Moody’s Investors Service “P-2”;
•Standard & Poor’s “A-2”; and
•Fitch “F-2”.
These ratings are as of the date of the filing of this Form 10-Q and have been obtained with the understanding that Moody’s Investors Service, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch will continue to monitor our credit and make future adjustments to these ratings to the extent warranted. The ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold our securities, may be changed, superseded or withdrawn at any time and should be evaluated independently of any other rating.
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On October 23, 2023, we entered into a $1.25 billion Revolving Credit Agreement (as amended, Revolving Credit Agreement) with Bank of America, N.A. (BOA), as administrative agent, and the lenders and other agents party thereto. The Revolving Credit Agreement is a senior unsecured credit commitment to the Company and contains customary representations and affirmative and negative covenants (including limitations on liens and subsidiary debt and, prior to the Amendment (as defined below), a maximum consolidated lease adjusted total debt to total capitalization ratio of 0.75 to 1.00) and events of default usual for credit facilities of this type. As of November 23, 2025, we had no outstanding balances and were in compliance with all covenants under the Revolving Credit Agreement. As of November 23, 2025, $438.0 million of commercial paper was outstanding and backed by this facility. After consideration of commercial paper and letters of credit backed by the Revolving Credit Agreement, as of November 23, 2025, we had $812 million of credit available under the Revolving Credit Agreement.
Loans under the Revolving Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate of (a) Term SOFR (which is defined, for the applicable interest period, as the Term SOFR Screen Rate two U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to the commencement of such interest period with a term equivalent to such interest period) plus a Term SOFR adjustment of 0.10 percent plus the relevant margin determined by reference to a ratings-based pricing grid (Applicable Margin), or (b) the base rate (which is defined as the highest of the BOA prime rate, the Federal Funds rate plus 0.500 percent, and the Term SOFR plus 1.00 percent) plus the relevant Applicable Margin. Assuming a “BBB” equivalent credit rating level, the Applicable Margin under the Revolving Credit Agreement is 1.000 percent for Term SOFR loans and 0.000 percent for base rate loans.
On September 16, 2024, we entered into Amendment No. 1 (Amendment) to the Revolving Credit Agreement, which replaced the prior financial covenant (which provided for a maximum consolidated total debt to total capitalization ratio) with a new financial covenant requiring us to maintain, measured as of the end of each fiscal quarter, a maximum consolidated leverage ratio of 3.50 to 1.00 (which may be temporarily increased to 4.00 to 1.00 upon our election as a result of a covered acquisition, subject to customary limitations set forth in the Revolving Credit Agreement). All other material terms and conditions of the Revolving Credit Agreement were unchanged.
The Revolving Credit Agreement matures on October 23, 2028, and the proceeds may be used for working capital and capital expenditures, the refinancing of certain indebtedness, certain acquisitions and general corporate purposes.
As of November 23, 2025, our outstanding long-term debt consisted principally of:
•$500.0 million of unsecured 3.850 percent senior notes due in May 2027;
•$400.0 million of unsecured 4.350 percent senior notes due in October 2027;
•$350.0 million of unsecured 4.550 percent senior notes due in October 2029;
•$500.0 million of unsecured 6.300 percent senior notes due in October 2033;
•$96.3 million of unsecured 6.000 percent senior notes due in August 2035;
•$42.8 million of unsecured 6.800 percent senior notes due in October 2037; and
•$300.0 million of unsecured 4.550 percent senior notes due in February 2048.
The interest rate on our $42.8 million senior notes due in October 2037 is subject to adjustment from time to time if the debt rating assigned to such series of notes is downgraded below a certain rating level (or subsequently upgraded). The maximum adjustment is 2.000 percent above the initial interest rate and the interest rate cannot be reduced below the initial interest rate. As of November 23, 2025, no such adjustments were made to this rate.
Through our shelf registration statement on file with the SEC, depending on conditions prevailing in the public capital markets, we may from time to time issue equity securities or unsecured debt securities in one or more series, which may consist of notes, debentures or other evidences of indebtedness in one or more offerings.
From time to time, we or our affiliates, may repurchase our outstanding debt in privately negotiated transactions, open-market transactions or otherwise. Such repurchases, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.
From time to time, we enter into interest rate derivative instruments. See Note 10 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q, which is incorporated by reference.
Net cash flows provided by operating activities from continuing operations increased to $663.2 million for the first six months of fiscal 2026, from $661.8 million for the first six months of fiscal 2025. Net cash flows provided by operating activities include net earnings from continuing operations of $495.3 million and $423.3 million in the first six months of fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively. Net cash flows provided by operating activities increased in fiscal 2026 primarily due to higher net earnings in fiscal 2026 and the timing of federal income tax payments, offset by changes in working capital.
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Net cash flows used in investing activities from continuing operations were $363.9 million for the first six months of fiscal 2026, compared to $939.3 million for the first six months of fiscal 2025. Net cash used in the acquisition of Chuy’s was $613.7 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2025. Capital expenditures increased to $375.0 million for the first six months of fiscal 2026 from $314.5 million for the first six months of fiscal 2025, reflecting an increase in new restaurant construction and remodel spend during fiscal 2026. Additionally, the first six months of fiscal 2026 include a portion of the proceeds from the sale of all eight of our Olive Garden Canada locations.
Net cash flows used in financing activities from continuing operations were $314.9 million for the first six months of fiscal 2026, compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $298.9 million for the first six months of fiscal 2025. Net cash flows used in financing activities for the first six months of fiscal 2026 included borrowings of commercial paper of $438.0 million, net, offset by dividends paid of $349.0 million and share repurchases of $407.1 million. Net cash flows provided by financing activities for the first six months of fiscal 2025 included borrowings of commercial paper of $188.4 million, net proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt of $750.0 million, dividends paid of $330.5 million and share repurchases of $314.2 million. Dividends declared by our Board of Directors totaled $3.00 and $2.80 per share for the first six months of fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively.
We are not aware of any trends or events that would materially affect our capital requirements or liquidity. We believe that our internal cash-generating capabilities, the potential issuance of equity or unsecured debt securities under our shelf registration statement and short-term commercial paper or drawings under our Revolving Credit Agreement should be sufficient to finance our capital expenditures, debt maturities and other operating activities through fiscal 2026.
On June 18, 2025, our Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program under which we may repurchase up to $1 billion of our outstanding common stock. This repurchase program does not have an expiration and replaced the prior share repurchase authorization. During the quarter and six months ended November 23, 2025, we repurchased 1.1 million and 2 million shares of our common stock, respectively, compared to 0.9 million and 2.1 million shares of our common stock, respectively, during the quarter and six months ended November 24, 2024.
We are not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, sales, costs or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Our current assets totaled $1.04 billion as of November 23, 2025, compared to $937.7 million as of May 25, 2025. The increase was primarily due to an increase in prepaid income taxes and inventories.
Our current liabilities totaled $2.65 billion as of November 23, 2025, compared to $2.25 billion as of May 25, 2025. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in short term debt partially offset by unearned revenues associated with gift card redemptions in excess of gift card activations.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of sales, costs and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We have discussed the development, selection and disclosure of those estimates with the Audit Committee. Our critical accounting estimates have not changed materially from those previously reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 25, 2025.
APPLICATION OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Information regarding application of new accounting standards is incorporated by reference from Note 1 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements set forth in or incorporated into this report regarding the expected increase in the number of our restaurants and capital expenditures in fiscal 2026, projections for sales and all other statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of Darden Restaurants, Inc. and its subsidiaries that are preceded by, followed by or that include words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “plan,” “outlook” or similar expressions, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are included, along with this statement, for purposes of complying with the safe harbor provisions of that Act. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made, and we undertake no obligation to update such statements for any reason to reflect events or circumstances arising after such date. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to the risks and uncertainties of ordinary business obligations, and those described in information incorporated into this report, the forward-looking statements contained in this report are subject to the risks and uncertainties described in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 25, 2025 and in our Forms 10-Q (including this report), which are summarized as follows:
•A failure to address cost pressures, including rising costs for commodities, labor, health care and utilities used by our restaurants, and a failure to effectively deliver cost management activities and achieve economies of scale in purchasing;
•Certain economic and business factors and their impacts on the restaurant industry and general macroeconomic factors including unemployment, energy prices, tariffs and interest rates;
•The inability to hire, train, reward and retain restaurant team members and determine and maintain adequate staffing;
•A failure to recruit, develop and retain effective leaders or the loss or shortage of personnel with key capacities and skills;
•Increases in labor and insurance costs;
•Health concerns arising from food-related pandemics, outbreaks of flu, viruses or other diseases;
•Failure to maintain food safety throughout the supply chain and food-borne illness concerns;
•Insufficient guest or employee facing technology or a failure to maintain a continuous or secure cyber network;
•Increased costs related to compliance with privacy and data protection laws and government enforcement, litigation or adverse publicity relating to potential failures thereof;
•A failure to successfully complete our integration of Chuy’s operations into our business;
•Insufficient or ineffective response to legislation or government regulation may adversely impact our cost structure, operational efficiencies and talent availability;
•Intense competition, or an insufficient strategy or focus, on competition and the consumer landscape;
•Changes in consumer preferences that may adversely affect demand for food at our restaurants;
•An inability or failure to recognize, respond to and effectively manage the accelerated impact of social media;
•A failure to identify and execute innovative marketing and guest relationship tactics, ineffective or improper use of other marketing initiatives and increased advertising and marketing costs;
•Impacts of climate change, adverse weather conditions and natural disasters;
•The inability to cancel long-term, non-cancelable leases that we may want to cancel or the inability to renew the leases that we may want to extend at the end of their terms;
•Our inability or failure to execute a comprehensive business continuity plan following a major natural disaster, such as a hurricane or manmade disaster;
•The impact of shortages, delay or interruptions in the delivery of food and other products from third-party vendors and suppliers;
•Our failure to drive both short-term and long-term profitable sales growth through brand relevance, operating excellence, opening new restaurants of existing brands and developing or acquiring new dining brands;
•A lack of suitable new restaurant locations or a decline in the quality of the locations of our current restaurants;
•Higher-than-anticipated costs or delays to open, close, relocate or remodel restaurants;
•Risks associated with doing business with franchisees and licensees;
•Risks associated with doing business with business partners and vendors in foreign markets;
•Volatility in the market value of derivatives we may use to hedge exposures to fluctuations in commodity and broader market prices;
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•Volatility in the United States equity markets that may affect our ability to efficiently hedge exposures to our market risk related to equity-based compensation awards;
•Failure to protect our service marks or other intellectual property;
•Environmental, social and governance risk, including disclosure expectations and the impact of third party ratings,
•Litigation, including allegations of illegal, unfair or inconsistent employment practices;
•Unfavorable publicity, or a failure to respond effectively to adverse publicity;
•Disruptions in the financial markets that may impact consumer spending patterns, affect the availability and cost of credit;
•Impairment of the carrying value of our goodwill or other intangible assets;
•Changes in tax laws or treaties and unanticipated tax liabilities; and
•A failure of our internal controls over financial reporting and future changes in accounting standards.
Any of the risks described above or elsewhere in this report or our other filings with the SEC could have a material impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations. It is not possible to predict or identify all risk factors. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial may also impair our business operations. Therefore, the above is not intended to be a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties.
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to a variety of market risks, including fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, compensation and commodity prices. To manage this exposure, we periodically enter into interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate, equity forward and commodity derivative instruments for other than trading purposes (see Note 10 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report).
We use the variance/covariance method to measure value at risk, over time horizons ranging from one week to one year, at the 95 percent confidence level. As of November 23, 2025, our potential losses in future net earnings resulting from changes in equity forwards, commodity instruments, floating rate and fixed rate debt interest rate exposures were approximately $65.2 million over a period of one year. The value at risk from an increase in the fair value of all of our long-term fixed-rate debt, over a period of one year, was approximately $98 million as of November 23, 2025. The fair value of our long-term fixed-rate debt outstanding as of November 23, 2025, averaged $2.18 billion, with a high of $2.20 billion and a low of $2.14 billion during the six months of fiscal 2026. Our interest rate risk management objective is to limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows by targeting an appropriate mix of variable and fixed-rate debt.
Item 4.Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) as of November 23, 2025, the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of November 23, 2025.
During the fiscal six months ended November 23, 2025, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.Legal Proceedings
See the discussion of legal proceedings contained in the third paragraph of Note 12 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 1A.Risk Factors
There have been no material changes to the risk factors contained in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 25, 2025.
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The table below provides information concerning our repurchase of shares of our common stock during the three months ended November 23, 2025.
| (Dollars in millions, except per share data) | Total Number of Shares Purchased (1) (2) | Average Price Paid per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| August 25, 2025 through September 28, 2025 | 311,312 | $ | 198.33 | 311,312 | $ | 803.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| September 29, 2025 through October 26, 2025 | 476,010 | $ | 189.06 | 476,010 | $ | 713.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| October 27, 2025 through November 23, 2025 | 393,041 | $ | 177.39 | 393,041 | $ | 643.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Quarter-to-Date | 1,180,363 | $ | 187.62 | 1,180,363 | $ | 643.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
(1)All of the shares purchased during the three months ended November 23, 2025 were purchased as part of our repurchase program. On June 18, 2025, our Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program under which we may repurchase up to $1 billion of our outstanding common stock. This repurchase program, which was announced publicly in a press release issued on June 20, 2025, does not have an expiration and replaced the prior share repurchase authorization.
(2)The number of shares purchased includes shares withheld for taxes on vesting of restricted stock, shares delivered or deemed to be delivered to us on tender of stock in payment for the exercise price of options, and shares reacquired pursuant to tax withholding on option exercises. These shares are included as part of our repurchase program and deplete the repurchase authority granted by our Board. The number of shares repurchased excludes shares we reacquired pursuant to forfeiture of restricted stock.
(3)Repurchases are subject to prevailing market prices, may be made in open market or private transactions, may occur or be discontinued at any time and remain subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors. There can be no assurance that we will repurchase any shares.
Item 5. Other Information
During the three months ended November 23, 2025, no director or officer adopted terminated
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Item 6.Exhibits
| Exhibit No. | Exhibit Title | |||||||
| 31(a) | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |||||||
| 31(b) | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |||||||
| 32(a) | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |||||||
| 32(b) | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |||||||
| 101.INS | XBRL Instance Document | |||||||
| 101.SCH | XBRL Schema Document | |||||||
| 101.CAL | XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document | |||||||
| 101.DEF | XBRL Definition Linkbase Document | |||||||
| 101.LAB | XBRL Label Linkbase Document | |||||||
| 101.PRE | XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document | |||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) | |||||||
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC. | |||||||||||
| Dated: | December 30, 2025 | By: | /s/ Rajesh Vennam | ||||||||
| Rajesh Vennam | |||||||||||
| Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer | |||||||||||
| (Principal financial officer) | |||||||||||
36
FAQ
How did Darden Restaurants (DRI) perform financially in the latest quarter?
Darden’s quarterly sales increased to $3.10 billion from $2.89 billion, and net earnings rose to $237.2 million from $215.1 million. Diluted net earnings per share were $2.03, up from $1.82, with operating income growing 9.7 percent.
What were Darden Restaurants (DRI) results for the first six months of fiscal 2026?
For the first six months, sales reached $6.15 billion compared to $5.65 billion a year earlier. Net earnings were $495.0 million versus $422.3 million, and diluted EPS from continuing operations was $4.23, up from $3.57.
How many restaurants does Darden Restaurants (DRI) operate and in which brands?
As of November 23, 2025, Darden owned and operated 2,182 U.S. restaurants across Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Chuy’s, Yard House, Ruth’s Chris, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V’s, Bahama Breeze, and The Capital Burger, plus joint ventures and franchised locations.
What guidance did Darden Restaurants (DRI) give for fiscal 2026 sales?
Darden expects fiscal 2026 sales growth between 8.5% and 9.3%, which includes about 2.0% growth related to the 53rd week in the fiscal year.
What is happening with Darden’s Bahama Breeze and Olive Garden Canada businesses?
Darden is exploring strategic alternatives for Bahama Breeze, including a potential sale or conversions of its 28 owned locations. On July 14, 2025, it sold eight Olive Garden Canada locations to Recipe Unlimited and entered franchise and area development agreements for that market.
How is Darden Restaurants (DRI) returning cash to shareholders?
During the first six months of fiscal 2026, Darden declared dividends totaling $3.00 per share and repurchased common stock for about $404.3 million. On December 17, 2025, the board declared an additional $1.50 per share dividend payable in early 2026.
What impact did the Chuy’s acquisition have on Darden (DRI)?
Darden acquired 100% of Chuy’s Holdings, Inc. in an all‑cash transaction of $649.1 million in total consideration, adding 103 locations. The deal resulted in $267.2 million of goodwill tied to growth opportunities and synergies and contributed to higher sales in the Other Business segment.
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Dec 18, 2025
[8-K] DARDEN RESTAURANTS INC Reports Material Event