Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI) has reported its financial results for the first quarter ended August 24, 2025. The company's total sales increased by 10.4% to $3.0 billion, 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, while the adjusted diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations were $1.97, representing an increase of 12.6%.
The company also declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.50 per share on its outstanding common stock and repurchased approximately 0.9 million shares of its common stock for a total of $183 million during the quarter. As of the end of the fiscal first quarter, the company had $865 million remaining under the current $1 billion repurchase authorization.
Looking ahead, Darden Restaurants updated its full-year financial outlook for fiscal 2026, which includes a 53rd week. The outlook includes the impact of the additional week and comprises various metrics, including total sales growth of 7.5% to 8.5%, same-restaurant sales growth of 2.5% to 3.5%, new restaurant openings of approximately 65, and total capital spending of $700 to $750 million. The company also provided an adjusted diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations of $10.50 to $10.70 for fiscal 2026.
Darden Restaurants, Inc. is a restaurant company featuring a portfolio of differentiated brands that include Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, The Capital Grille, Chuy's, Seasons 52, Eddie V’s, and Bahama Breeze. Following these announcements, the company's shares moved -0.59%, and are now trading at a price of $208.79. If you want to know more, read the company's complete 8-K report here.
