Darden's first quarter of fiscal 2026 was marked by strong growth in sales and earnings, particularly in Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse, driven by strategic initiatives and successful first-party delivery. However, challenges such as increased commodity costs and fine dining segment performance present areas to address. Overall, the company is well-positioned for continued growth with a robust development pipeline.

Company Guidance

During the Darden Fiscal Year 2026 First Quarter Earnings Conference Call, guidance reflected a positive outlook with several key metrics highlighted. Darden experienced a successful first quarter with same-restaurant sales growth of 4.7% and average same-restaurant guest counts growing by 2.6%, surpassing expectations. Olive Garden led the way, achieving a 5.9% increase in same-restaurant sales, while LongHorn Steakhouse reported a 5.5% rise. The Other Business segment saw a 3.3% increase, driven by strong performances from Yard House, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, and Seasons 52. Despite challenges in the Fine Dining segment, strategic initiatives are expected to enhance performance. Darden's updated fiscal 2026 guidance anticipates total sales growth of 7.5% to 8.5%, same-restaurant sales growth of 2.5% to 3.5%, and the opening of approximately 65 new restaurants. The company remains committed to pricing below total inflation and investing in long-term growth strategies.

Strong Start to Fiscal Year 2026

Darden's first quarter exceeded expectations with strong same-restaurant sales and earnings growth. Three out of four segments saw positive growth, driven by strategic planning and execution.

Olive Garden's Impressive Performance

Olive Garden's same-restaurant sales grew by 5.9%, driven by new menu items and first-party delivery. The Create Your Own Pasta platform and Spicy 3-Meat Sauce were particularly successful.

LongHorn Steakhouse Continued Growth

LongHorn Steakhouse saw 5.5% same-restaurant sales growth, maintaining its top decile industry ranking for food quality and value.

Significant Sales and Earnings Growth

Darden generated $3 billion in total sales, a 10% increase from last year, with an adjusted diluted net earnings per share growth of 12.6%.

Successful First-Party Delivery Initiatives

First-party delivery through Uber Direct has been successful, capturing younger, more affluent guests and resulting in a 40% increase in post-campaign delivery volume for Olive Garden.

Expansion and Development Plans

Darden is on track to open approximately 65 new restaurants, with a strong development pipeline and international franchise expansion in Canada.

Darden Restaurants (DRI) Earnings, Revenues Date & History

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DRI Earnings History

Report Date	Fiscal Quarter	Forecast / EPS	Last Year's EPS	EPS YoY Change	Slides	Play Transcript
Dec 12, 2025	2026 (Q2)	2.12 / -	2.03	―	―	―
Sep 18, 2025	2026 (Q1)	2.00 / 1.97	1.75	12.57% (+0.22)
Jun 20, 2025	2025 (Q4)	2.97 / 2.98	2.65	12.45% (+0.33)
Mar 20, 2025	2025 (Q3)	2.80 / 2.80	2.62	6.87% (+0.18)
Dec 19, 2024	2025 (Q2)	2.02 / 2.03	1.84	10.33% (+0.19)
Sep 19, 2024	2025 (Q1)	1.83 / 1.75	1.78	-1.69% (-0.03)
Jun 20, 2024	2024 (Q4)	2.61 / 2.65	2.58	2.71% (+0.07)
Mar 21, 2024	2024 (Q3)	2.62 / 2.62	2.34	11.97% (+0.28)
Dec 15, 2023	2024 (Q2)	1.74 / 1.84	1.52	21.05% (+0.32)
Sep 21, 2023	2024 (Q1)	1.74 / 1.78	1.56	14.10% (+0.22)

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

DRI Earnings-Related Price Changes

Report Date	Price 1 Day Before	Price 1 Day After	Percentage Change
Sep 18, 2025	$208.79	$192.74	-7.69%
Jun 20, 2025	$221.20	$224.21	+1.36%
Mar 20, 2025	$185.51	$196.22	+5.77%
Dec 19, 2024	$156.42	$179.49	+14.75%

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.