Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI)

Over the past six months, Darden Restaurants' stock (DRI) has experienced several notable events. As of October 24, 2025, the share price was $184.82, a 15.57% increase from October 25, 2024. On September 18, 2025, Darden reported total sales of $3.0 billion for fiscal first-quarter 2026, a 10.4% year-over-year increase, with diluted net earnings per share at $2.19. Following the earnings announcement, DRI shares declined by 7.7%. Mizuho initiated coverage with a Neutral rating and a $190.00 price target on October 28, 2025, while Goldman Sachs upgraded DRI to a Buy rating with a price target of $225.00 on October 20, 2025. Darden declared a quarterly dividend of $1.50 per share, with a pay date of November 3, 2025. On October 6, 2025, SVP Matthew R. Broad sold 5,661 shares of DRI stock.

The demand for Darden Restaurants' products and services exhibits seasonality, typical of the restaurant industry. Factors such as holidays, weather, and economic conditions can influence dining out trends. Lower gasoline prices can lead to more disposable income for consumers, potentially boosting spending at restaurant chains like Darden. Investors can analyze monthly seasonality trends for DRI to identify best and worst holding periods.

Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) is a full-service restaurant company based in Orlando, Florida, operating within the Consumer Discretionary sector. The company focuses on providing high-quality dining experiences through a diverse portfolio of well-known brands, generating revenue from in-restaurant dining, takeout, delivery, and franchising. Darden's major restaurant brands include Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze, Eddie V's Prime Seafood, The Capital Burger, Ruth's Chris Steak House and Chuy's.

Darden Restaurants, Inc. primarily owns and operates full-service dining restaurants across the United States and Canada. As of the end of its fiscal year 2025, the company operated 2,159 restaurants in the U.S. Darden also has a small network of franchised restaurants and consumer-packaged goods sales through traditional grocery channels. Darden aims to open approximately 60 to 65 new restaurants in fiscal year 2026, with a focus on expansion in underserved markets and international franchise expansion in Canada.

In the past year, Darden Restaurants has maintained a positive brand reputation, focusing on value and customer experience in full-service dining. Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse have shown strong same-restaurant sales growth. Darden has reiterated its commitment to the full-service restaurant experience, emphasizing hospitality and culinary innovation. The acquisition of Chuy's Tex Mex restaurants has contributed to Darden's sales growth. Successful first-party delivery initiatives and industry recognition have enhanced customer convenience and positively impacted brand perception.

Darden Restaurants, Inc. has a mixed ownership structure, with approximately 93.64% of the company's stock owned by institutional investors. Major institutional owners include Capital World Investors, Vanguard Group Inc., and BlackRock, Inc. Peter A. Feld is the largest individual shareholder, owning 11.64 million shares, representing 10.00% of the company.