Earnings Data
Report Date
Sep 17, 2026Before Open (Confirmed)
Period Ending
2027 (Q1)Consensus EPS Forecast
1.8Last Year’s EPS
1.73Same Quarter Last Year
Moderate Buy
Based on 18 Analysts Ratings
Earnings Call Summary
Earnings Call Sentiment|Positive
The call presented a largely positive operational and financial picture: strong top-line growth, robust same-restaurant sales outperformance versus industry, notable brand-level momentum (especially LongHorn and Olive Garden), solid earnings and cash returns to shareholders, and continued unit growth and international franchising. Headwinds include elevated commodity (notably beef) inflation that compressed restaurant-level margins for the year, one-time conversion and pre-opening costs, some younger-guest softness, and near-term fuel/utility impacts. Management provided a constructive FY2027 outlook with moderate same-restaurant sales guidance (2.5%–3.5%), continued unit growth, and EPS guidance above FY2026 levels, while signaling confidence in cost management and franchise expansion. Overall, positives (growth, margin recovery in Q4, cash returns, brand momentum, disciplined strategy) outweigh the lowlights (inflation, conversion costs, cohort softness), supporting a favorable outlook.Company Guidance
Strong Q4 and FY2026 Top-Line Performance
Q4 total sales of $3.7 billion, up 13.7% year-over-year; FY2026 total sales increased 9.4% and surpassed $13 billion for the first time in company history.
Same-Restaurant Sales and Traffic Outperformance
Q4 same-restaurant sales grew 4.6% with positive traffic (Q4 traffic +1.3% company-wide); FY2026 same-restaurant sales up 4.5%, materially outperforming industry benchmarks by several hundred basis points.
Earnings, EBITDA and Shareholder Returns
Adjusted diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations rose 22.8% to $3.66 in Q4 (including $0.25 from the extra fiscal week); FY2026 adjusted diluted EPS increased 11.4% to $10.64; adjusted EBITDA was $678 million in Q4 and $2.2 billion for the year; returned $1.4 billion to shareholders in FY2026 ($693M dividends, $675M repurchases).
Outstanding Brand-Level Results — LongHorn and Olive Garden
LongHorn: FY same-restaurant sales +9.5% in Q4 (total sales +21.9% in Q4), exceeding industry by ~810 bps and producing AUVs of $5.6M; segment profit margin +110 bps to 21.2% in Q4. Olive Garden: Q4 total sales +11.4% with same-restaurant sales +2.4%, two-year comp +9.3%, segment profit margin of 24.3% (+50 bps YoY in Q4).
Portfolio and Unit Growth Momentum
Opened 71 new restaurants in FY2026 (6 more than planned); guidance for FY2027 targets 75–80 gross openings plus 11 Bahama Breeze conversions and plans for the most international openings in a single year (franchising in Spain, India, Canada).
Operational Leverage and Cost Management
Q4 restaurant-level EBITDA improved 50 basis points to 22.1%; food & beverage expenses were flat in Q4 as ~3% commodity inflation and unfavorable mix were offset by pricing; restaurant labor was 40 bps lower despite 3.2% total labor inflation due to productivity gains.
Strategic Investments and Human Capital
Promoted 1,375 hourly team members into management roles in FY2026; increased regular quarterly dividend by 8% to $1.52/share (annual $6.48); FY2027 guidance contemplates ~$875M CapEx to support growth, conversions, maintenance and IT.
DE:DDN Earnings History
The table shows recent earnings report dates and whether the forecast was beat or missed. See the change in forecast and EPS from the previous year.
Beat
Missed
DE:DDN Earnings-Related Price Changes
Report Date | Price 1 Day Before | Price 1 Day After | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
Jun 25, 2026 | €184.50 | €186.75 | +1.22% |
Mar 19, 2026 | €174.85 | €172.76 | -1.19% |
Dec 18, 2025 | €159.27 | €159.46 | +0.12% |
Sep 18, 2025 | €174.17 | €164.54 | -5.53% |
Earnings announcements can affect a stock’s price. This table shows the stock's price the day before and the day after recent earnings reports, including the percentage change.
FAQ
When does Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DE:DDN) report earnings?
Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DE:DDN) is schdueled to report earning on Sep 17, 2026, Before Open (Confirmed).
What is Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DE:DDN) earnings time?
Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DE:DDN) earnings time is at Sep 17, 2026, Before Open (Confirmed).
Where can I see when companies are reporting earnings?
You can see which companies are reporting today on our designated earnings calendar.
What companies are reporting earnings today?
You can see a list of the companies which are reporting today on TipRanks earnings calendar.
What is the P/E ratio of Darden Restaurants, Inc. stock?
The P/E ratio of Darden Restaurants is N/A.
What is DE:DDN EPS forecast?
DE:DDN EPS forecast for the fiscal quarter 2027 (Q1) is 1.8.
