Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI) has reported a strong start to fiscal 2026, with total sales increasing by 10.4% to $3.0 billion in the first quarter ended August 24, 2025. This growth was driven by a blended same-restaurant sales increase of 4.7% and sales from the acquisition of 103 Chuy's Tex Mex restaurants and 22 net new restaurants.
The reported diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations were $2.19. Excluding certain costs, adjusted diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations were $1.97, reflecting an increase of 12.6%.
The company also repurchased $183 million of its outstanding common stock during the quarter and declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.50 per share on the outstanding common stock.
In terms of segment performance, the consolidated Darden sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 were $3,044.7 million, representing an increase from $2,757.0 million in the same period last year. The segment profit for the same period also saw an increase compared to the prior year.
Looking ahead, Darden updated its full-year financial outlook for fiscal 2026, including a 53rd week. The outlook includes total sales growth of 7.5% to 8.5%, same-restaurant sales growth of 2.5% to 3.5%, and new restaurant openings of approximately 65.
The company also provided an adjusted diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations guidance of $10.50 to $10.70 for fiscal 2026, representing an increase from the previous year.
This strong performance reflects Darden's continued focus on its winning strategy across its portfolio of restaurant brands, positioning them for long-term success and growth. Today the company's shares have moved -6.92% to a price of $194.35. Check out the company's full 8-K submission here.
