Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI)

Over the past six months, Darden Restaurants' stock price has increased by approximately 15.13% to 16.0%. As of July 18, 2025, the share price was $209.54, representing a 46.68% increase over the past year. Key events impacting the stock price include strong fourth-quarter and full-year fiscal 2025 results, a dividend increase and share repurchase program, the acquisition of Chuy's, analyst ratings, and insider selling.

The restaurant industry, including Darden Restaurants, experiences demand seasonality. Events like Valentine's Day drive increased demand. Darden's business results are influenced by various economic and business factors. Unearned revenues from gift cards are recognized over the expected period of redemption, aligning with the seasonal nature of the business. Economic uncertainty can lead to decreased discretionary spending, impacting revenue.

Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) is a full-service restaurant company headquartered in Orlando, Florida, operating in the consumer services sector. It is one of the largest full-service restaurant companies globally, managing over 1,800 locations and employing more than 175,000 team members. Darden owns and manages a diverse portfolio of differentiated full-service restaurant brands, leveraging scale and operational expertise. Its portfolio includes brands across casual and fine dining segments, such as Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, Eddie V's Prime Seafood, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze, The Capital Burger, Ruth's Chris Steak House, and Chuy's. Darden also generates revenue from franchised restaurants and consumer-packaged goods sales.

Darden Restaurants primarily operates its full-service dining brands in the United States and Canada, with over 2,100 locations. The company extends its reach through third-party agreements and joint ventures in Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Its geographic footprint allows the company to offer job opportunities to team members who need to relocate.

Darden Restaurants maintains a strong brand portfolio and market presence, contributing to its reputation as a leader in the full-service restaurant space. Flagship brands like Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse have been outperforming industry benchmarks in same-store sales growth. Darden's emphasis on value offerings and expanding delivery options, strategic acquisitions, and community involvement contribute to its reputation. Economic uncertainty and consumer discretionary spending can impact the restaurant industry.

Darden Restaurants, Inc. is a publicly traded company with dispersed ownership. Institutional shareholders hold the vast majority of Darden's stock, approximately 93.81% to 97.50%. Peter A. Feld is the largest individual shareholder, owning 11.64 million shares, representing 9.94% of the company.