Evaluate the expected performance of Darden Restaurants (DRI) for the quarter ended August 2026, looking beyond the conventional Wall Street top-and-bottom-line estimates and examining some of its key metrics for better insight.
Darden Restaurants exhibits a complex financial profile characterized by a recent 13.7% revenue growth surge in 2026Q4, though this top-line expansion is tempered by inconsistent operating margins and significant capital intensity. While the company maintains ...
Price trend, volume and key moving averages
Start with the evidence for owning the stock and the risks that can break the thesis.
Revenue growth accelerated to 13.7% in 2026Q4, yet operating margins remain range-bound between 9.8% and 13.4%, suggesting limited structural operating leverage.
DRI's trailing and forward P/E ratios of 20.89 and 18.80 respectively indicate a solid valuation foundation.
Multiple bullish theses on Darden Restaurants highlight positive analyst sentiment and investment potential.
DRI's inclusion in dividend-focused analyses suggests its attractiveness to income-seeking investors.
Trailing total returns as of 9/24/2026, which may include dividends or other distributions. Benchmark is S&P 500 (^GSPC).
Check whether operating performance supports the current valuation.
Recent results and news deserve attention only when they alter the forward view.
| Quarter | EPS (Act vs Est) | Revenue (Act vs Est) |
|---|---|---|
Q3 2026Latest Jun 25, 2026 | $3.66+0.8% vs $3.63 | $3.7B-0.3% vs $3.7B |
Q2 2026 Mar 19, 2026 | $2.95+0.3% vs $2.94 | $3.3B+0.3% vs $3.3B |
Q4 2025 Dec 18, 2025 | $2.08-1.0% vs $2.10 | $3.1B+0.9% vs $3.1B |
Q4 2025 Sep 18, 2025 | $1.97-1.5% vs $2.00 | $3.0B+0.1% vs $3.0B |
Evaluate the expected performance of Darden Restaurants (DRI) for the quarter ended August 2026, looking beyond the conventional Wall Street top-and-bottom-line estimates and examining some of its key metrics for better insight.
Stock futures are rising as oil prices and government bond yields retreat; the AI trade is starting off the week hot, with a number of chipmakers gaining; crypto stocks are also rallying as bitcoin climbs to its highest point since January; Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery are reportedly nearing a settlement to the suit several states filed to block their merger; and earnings from Costco and a Meta event are on tap this week.

Restaurants are struggling with higher prices for ingredients and labor, as well as the wellness trend the need for innovation:
DRI's fiscal Q1 results face inflation pressures as affordability, restaurant expansion and productivity efforts shape growth expectations.
Benchmark DRI against direct peers instead of judging its metrics in isolation.
Key metrics vs top competitors for Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI)
| Company | Price | Market Cap | P/E Ratio | Rev Growth (1Y) | Net Margin | ROE | Div Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $213.79 | $24.49B | 20.58 | 9.39% | 9.13% | 53.41% | 2.81% | |
| $210.80 | $9.04B | 19.39 | 7.86% | 8.39% | 123.85% | — | |
| $164.84 | $10.83B | 27.02 | 9.39% | 6.63% | 27.2% | — | |
| $8.55 | $732M | 135.50 | 0.14% | 0.7% | 7.28% | — | |
| $6.25 | $321.87M | 15.24 | -2.5% | 2.24% | — | — | |
| $104.41 | $5.19B | 34.01 | 4.75% | 4.61% | 38.83% | — |
Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) vs competitors — business, growth, and fundamentals comparison against the closest industry rivals.
Verify the primary filings, follow material updates, and answer the remaining questions.
Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) SEC filings — annual & quarterly reports (10-K, 10-Q)
Jun 25, 2026·SEC
Mar 19, 2026·SEC
Dec 18, 2025·SEC
Jul 18, 2025·SEC
Get notified when DRI posts new earnings or crosses analyst targets
Free. No account needed. Unsubscribe any time.
Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) stock FAQ — growth, dividends, profitability & financials explained
Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) reported $13.21B in revenue for fiscal year 2026. This represents a 317% increase from $3.17B in 1997.
Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) grew revenue by 9.4% over the past year. This is steady growth.
Yes, Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) is profitable, generating $1.21B in net income for fiscal year 2026 (9.1% net margin).
Yes, Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) pays a dividend with a yield of 2.81%. This makes it attractive for income-focused investors.
Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) has a return on equity (ROE) of 53.4%. This is excellent, indicating efficient use of shareholder capital.
Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) generated $1.12B in free cash flow for fiscal year 2026. Positive FCF indicates the company can fund dividends, buybacks, or reinvestment.