Darden Restaurants stock stays in focus after outlook reaffirmed

Published on 11/12/2026 at 02:11 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

Darden Restaurants stock stays in focus after fiscal first-quarter sales rose 5.1 percent. Management reaffirmed its fiscal 2027 outlook.

Earnings and Guidance Set the Tone

Fiscal first-quarter sales increased year over year, supported by same-restaurant sales and new locations.
Higher operating costs reduced operating income and earnings from continuing operations.
Darden reaffirmed its fiscal 2027 earnings outlook and plans for its Bahama Breeze locations.

Darden Restaurants, US2371941053, Illustration mit AI erstellt.

Darden Restaurants reported fiscal first-quarter results on September 24, 2026, with sales rising 5.1 percent year over year to 3.2 billion US dollars. Morningstar said diluted earnings per share from continuing operations reached 2.05 US dollars, while blended same-restaurant sales increased 3.1 percent on the fiscal calendar basis.

The earnings picture was mixed. Operating income fell to 319.3 million US dollars from 339.2 million US dollars a year earlier as food, labor and restaurant expenses increased. Earnings from continuing operations declined to 234.3 million US dollars from 257.9 million US dollars.

Cost Pressure Meets Stable Demand

Morningstar reported that Darden reaffirmed fiscal 2027 diluted earnings guidance of 11.10 to 11.35 US dollars per share. The company also maintained plans to close or convert Bahama Breeze locations by the fourth quarter of fiscal 2027, making brand allocation and restaurant productivity important factors for investors.

Darden Restaurants stock traded at 206.40 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 11:00 p.m. CET on Wednesday, November 11.

Darden Operates Full-Service Restaurants

Darden Restaurants owns and operates full-service dining establishments across the United States and Canada. Its portfolio includes Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze and Eddie V's Prime Seafood. The company is headquartered in Orlando, Florida and combines large casual-dining brands with more specialized concepts. Its broad brand portfolio gives it a more diversified position than operators focused on a single restaurant concept.